LAS VEGAS — The Islanders need this All-Star break probably more than any club in the NHL, but defenseman Adam Pelech believes his team will be ready to go when they return.
“I think for everyone the break is great to clear your mind, get away for a few days and come back refreshed and recharged,” Pelech said Friday morning at the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas Ballroom. “The second half of the year for us is going to be packed full of games and important games for our team to really make a push for the playoffs. It’ll be great to enjoy the weekend here and head back refreshed and ready to go.”
After acknowledging the Islanders will have to go on a pretty significant roll to make up ground in the Metropolitan Division, Pelech said he and his teammates are confident they can get it done. Still, the break is a chance for Pelech to step away from the tumultuous season the Islanders have endured.
Pelech participated in the Hardest Shot challenge of the NHL’s skill competition Friday night, competing against the Sharks’ Timo Meier, the Lightning’s Victor Hedman and the Capitals’ Tom Wilson.
“I grew up playing against Pelly,” Wilson said. “I know him pretty well, he’s a good friend of mine actually. Growing up we played right up through the ranks against each other, with each other on some teams. He’s an awesome, awesome guy. We’ve always been close.
“I think he’s mastered his craft. What he does, he does it kind of better than anyone in the league. He’s shut down, he’s smart with the puck, he makes good plays and just a guy you respect his game. When I ran into him in warmups a couple months ago I had told him congratulations, we had a laugh and now it’s cool that I’m here to be able to share it with him.”
The Rangers are expected to be active in the weeks leading up to the March 21 trade deadline, something they haven’t experienced much of since the start of the rebuilding in 2018.
Asked if it influences the mindset of the team, Rangers winger Chris Kreider insinuated they are aware, but trying to keep the focus in house.
“Guys sit around and hot-stove about what may or may not happen,” Kreider said. “But at the end of the day, we just worry about the team that we have, the group that we have. It’s the nature of hockey, been around long enough to know that guys come in and guys go out. Ultimately, you don’t get paid for your opinion, we’re paid to play hockey.”