Barry Trotz had been pleased with Adam Pelech’s progress, enough to give the defenseman an expanded role. The Islanders coach didn’t get the desired results.
Pelech struggled through Saturday night’s 4-2 loss to the Panthers at BB&T Center, on the ice for Florida’s two even-strength goals, in the penalty box for the winner and, after being inserted onto the second power-play unit, part of the Islanders’ 0-for-4 effort which has left them 1-for-19 on the man advantage over the past five games.
Trotz is not prone to knee-jerk reactions and the Islanders did not practice on Sunday.