Tony DeAngelo’s Clutch Minutes-Eater in Shorthanded Islanders Debut
A Timely Arrival
Just two weeks ago, Tony DeAngelo was playing with St. Petersburg in the Russian KHL. After a 26-minute performance in an overtime loss to Lokomotiv, DeAngelo and St. Petersburg mutually agreed to terminate his contract, allowing the 29-year-old to return back home to the United States. One day later, he was signed to a one-year deal by the New York Islanders.
A Debut to Remember
On Saturday night, DeAngelo played 25 minutes in the Islanders’ 3-2 overtime win against his former team, the Carolina Hurricanes. The opportunity arose after top-pairing defenseman Ryan Pulock left the game in the first minute with an injury.
DeAngelo’s Reaction
“It’s huge,” DeAngelo said following his team debut. “Two weeks ago, it was something that looked not impossible, but pretty bleak. To get a chance to come home and be around family and then get a call and jump right into a lineup that quick, it’s good luck. I’m grateful, I’m fortunate… It’s just great to be back.”
A Second Chance
The Islanders’ desperation to fill in a thin blue line gives DeAngelo another opportunity to stick around in the NHL. While there is no denying his talent, he has sometimes been viewed as controversial. However, any potential character concerns from an Islanders standpoint were dispelled following an in-person meeting between DeAngelo and general manager Lou Lamoriello.
A Fresh Start
“Anytime you get a fresh start, you want to take advantage of it,” DeAngelo said. “I’m real grateful for it. As for the hockey, I’m not going to change my game. I’m still going to play with poise, patience, and confidence. The touches will come, but it was a good start tonight and a good win.”
Head Coach’s Praise
“Outstanding. He was really good,” head coach Patrick Roy said. “I was very happy to have him tonight. He’s smart. He moves the puck well, skates well. I think that’s a good fit for us. He’s capable of joining the rush, moves the puck well on the power play… There’s guys for some reason, they’ll fill those minutes. He’s one of them. He could go out there and play.”
For more on Tony DeAngelo and the Islanders, visit AMNY.com
Conclusion
Tony DeAngelo’s timely arrival and clutch performance in his Islanders debut have given him a chance to revive his NHL career. With a fresh start and a new opportunity, DeAngelo is eager to prove himself and make the most of this second chance.
FAQs
Q: Why did Tony DeAngelo leave St. Petersburg?
A: DeAngelo and St. Petersburg mutually agreed to terminate his contract, allowing him to return back home to the United States.
Q: What was Tony DeAngelo’s role in his Islanders debut?
A: DeAngelo played 25 minutes in the Islanders’ 3-2 overtime win against the Carolina Hurricanes, including 5:15 of time on the power play.
Q: What did head coach Patrick Roy say about DeAngelo’s performance?
A: Roy praised DeAngelo’s smart play, puck-moving ability, and confidence, stating that he was “really good” and a “good fit” for the Islanders.
