It’s safe to say that 20-year-old defenseman Isaiah George is NHL quality.
He’s been a breath of fresh air for a New York Islanders organization that has struggled to develop its prospects.
But that doesn’t mean he’s perfect.
Through his first 18 NHL games, he’s had his moments.
However, through these mistakes, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy has shown a willingness to let him play through them and learn on the fly.
But Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Kings was different.
Against a fast, physical, big Kings team, George seemed overmatched early. He seemed nervous with the puck on his stick, leading to a few turnovers.
If it wasn’t for his elite skating ability, which allowed him to make up and recover, things could’ve been worse. But after his struggles continued, Roy made the decision.
When George came off the ice with 12:22 to play in the second period, that signaled the end of his night.
It wasn’t a move that Roy made to punish the rookie.
“The kid has been outstanding for us since he’s been here,” Roy said. “Those things happen. In my rookie year, I had some shitty nights. I had some tougher nights, I should say, and it happens. I think that’s what we call a career, and I think he’s gonna learn a lot from that game.
“Now, I want him to bounce back. It’s about the next game, and I just want him to bounce back.”
Islanders defenseman Noah Dobson echoed Roy’s sentiments and has the utmost faith in George.
“He’s played great hockey for us, so I think I’m sure he will reset and bounce back for the next game,” Dobson said. “It’s a team game, so we can all do a better job of helping each other out. But yeah, I don’t think anyone’s too worried about him.”
While George’s focus is still on playing the best brand of hockey he can, he’s also been trying out for a starting spot every skate. He’s been given an incredible opportunity due to injuries.
He’s trying out for a role when Adam Pelech returns, and decisions have to be made. The one thing that may hurt George is his ability to stay in the lineup, which is something that’s out of his control completely — his waiver status.
Unlike Dennis Cholowski and Grant Hutton, who have played well in their opportunities, George does not need waivers to return to Bridgeport of the American hockey league.
We’ll see if Pelech is ready to return Thursday night against the Chicago Blackhawks, but if George is back in there, expect a quick learner to have a strong game.
If George has proven anything so far during his first NHL stint, it is that he is mentally tough and knows what it takes to bounce back.
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