Kyle Palmieri, after scoring his first two goals of the season, and Matias Maccelli, who scored his first and added an assist, deserve their flowers for their performances in the New York Islanders’ 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks.
Pete DeBoer’s Personal Touch Making The Difference For Islanders
ELMONT, NY — Being a successful head coach at any level is about way more than the X’s and O’s. Especially in today’s day and age, managing the mental side of the game has never been more important.
Like with every win, though, other plays contribute to coming out on the right end.
An Ondrej Palat dive on the penalty kill in the second period to get the puck out of the zone. Emil Heineman cutting to the outside late to draw a penalty with just 1:41 to go in the third.
But I thought one of the most underrated parts of the win was Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s play in the face-off circle, specifically late in the game.