For a first impression, you could do a whole lot worse.
It took all of one shift into Saturday night’s match against the Hurricanes at UBS Arena for it to become clear that the Islanders would need more from Tony DeAngelo than anyone had anticipated, the order growing exponentially at the sight of Ryan Pulock going up the tunnel injured less than a minute into the game.
DeAngelo, mere hours after officially becoming an Islander by clearing waivers at 2 p.m. on Saturday, ended up skating 25:10 over 30 shifts in a chaotic 3-2 overtime win over the Hurricanes.
“There’s guys, for some reason, they don’t feel those minutes,” coach Patrick Roy said. “I guess he’s one of them. He could go out there and play. I was looking at his last game in Russia — he played 26 minutes. So welcome to the Islanders organization.”
A signing that could have been cast as pragmatic when it was announced on Friday afternoon, DeAngelo might now be an essential piece of the puzzle if Pulock’s injury keeps him out for a lengthy period of time.
“To be honest, real grateful for the opportunity,” the 29-year-old former Ranger said. “Two weeks ago, NHL career looked pretty bleak. I wouldn’t say I took it for granted when I was here, but to get another opportunity back, you can’t ask for much more.”
DeAngelo’s preparation on Saturday consisted merely of a quick skate, some film and quick introductions to his new teammates.
Roy told him not to worry about the system — just go out, play and there would be time to learn all later.
For the moment, it worked well enough.
“I knew it’s a similar game — especially since Patty took over — as Carolina plays,” said DeAngelo, who spent last season with the Hurricanes. “For me it’s an easy adjustment as far as system, but for me, just trying to get the timing back. NHL timing, getting on a page with these guys. Faceoff plays, power plays, it’s good to get as many [reps] as you can right away.”
He got more than anybody expected on Saturday. He might have a bigger role to play than anybody figured for the near future.
“I was very happy to have him tonight, I won’t lie,” Roy said. “He’s smart. He moves the puck well, skates well. I think it’s a good fit for us. He’s capable of jumping in the rush, moves the puck well on the power play. He probably hasn’t played a game since January 12 or 13 when he was in Russia.
“I thought he looked good. Really good.”
