Getting through the end of the season as healthy as possible is perhaps the biggest priority right now for the Islanders, but they couldn’t check that box on Sunday.
Adam Pelech left the team’s 1-0 win over the Devils in the second period after taking a check to the head from Paul Cotter and did not return, with the Islanders citing an upper-body injury.
“I don’t have any update for Pelly, but that’s the kind of hit we don’t like,” coach Patrick Roy said. “Kind of hit that we don’t want to see happening for any game.”
Timo Meier of the New Jersey Devils checks Adam Pelech during the second period at Prudential Center on April 13, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. Getty ImagesCotter received a match penalty for the hit, which left Pelech with a bloody face.
The defenseman was seething after the play, slamming his helmet down to the ice and yelling at Cotter.
Pelech has a history of concussions, which makes it more concerning if this is a head injury.
He had already missed 21 games this season, 20 with a broken jaw suffered in November and one with a right foot issue that cropped up after blocking a shot.
The 30-year-old last made it through a full season healthy in 2021-22, when he made his sole All-Star Game.
Adam Pelech reacts to a high hit from Paul Cotter of the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Prudential Center on April 13, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. Getty ImagesIf he can’t go in either of the final two games this season, there are a few options on the back end to replace him.
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The club could opt to give Adam Boqvist another try, or give Mike Reilly what would likely be a swan song as an Islander, with the defenseman last having played on March 26. Scott Perunovich, who has sat since March 1, could also get a look.
Adam Pelech warms up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 13, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. NHLI via Getty ImagesIlya Sorokin said there was no consideration to sitting out the rest of the season as a precaution after being cleared from his lower-body injury.
“When doctors say I’m ready, I’m ready,” he said. “Doesn’t matter how many games [are left] or not in playoffs. You should play if you can play.”
The AHL suspended Bridgeport forward Cole Bardreau for six games, Tyce Thompson for three games and Chris Terry for two games after an incident in Saturday’s game against Hartford. Bardreau and Thompson were suspended for leaving the bench during a fight, Terry’s suspension was over a match penalty for slashing.
The Baby Isles have three games left in their season and sit in last place.
