Team Defense -- Led By Pulock & Pelech -- Needs to Be a Key Asset for the Islanders Tonight

Adam Pelech.

Ryan Pulock.

Noah Dobson.

Arrange them in any order you want but -- no matter how you shake it -- The Big Three On The Backline will be an essential cornerstone for the Islanders team defense tonight.

Mind you, that's not to dismiss Scott Mayfield, Alexander Romanov nor Sebastian Aho for their worthy contributions.

But, in my estimation, The Big Three, more than any, must carry the day -- tonight! Big Three, because these are the backliners that are homegrown and have already shown high levels of skill on the NHL level -- and in two deep postseason runs. 

If they put it all together tonight, they'll each be essential to a hoped-for victory.

And, should that wonderful event take place -- the burden of survival will be more on the Hurricanes in a potential Game Seven than the Elmonters.

Pulock's booming slapshot and the steady play of Pelech have been staples of the team's success. Together -- or separately -- they have gained elite status on the hockey club.

Dobson has the ability to provide the neat blend of offense with his blue-line duties, but there's a need for him to play a more reliable brand of hockey, 

As pointed out in The Hockey News Yearbook, "As a rule, the Islanders defensemen are composed under pressure and fiercely protect the space in front of their goaltenders."

That was a trademark of Lou Lamoriello's team defense going back to his days as generalissimo of the Devils and has never changed right up until now.

What makes the Pelech-Pulock-Dobson trio more important in this series is that Carolina has its own Big Three in Jacob Slavin, Brent Burns, and Brett Pesce as a counterbalance.

What Pulock and Pelech bring includes a quartet of virtues.

For starters, there's the element of composure. As one scout noted: "Pelech is savvy in his own end and always tries to make the smaller decisions with the puck. Likewise with Pulock. His decision-making and ability to make the hard plays stand out."

During the Islanders' Game Five win at Raleigh on Tuesday night, Pelech made two huge plays that were difference-makers.

Likewise, Pulock has played a smart game skating with the puck while seeking offensive possibilities rather than forsake possession via dump and chase.

One reason why New York has maintained a hitting edge in the series is because both Ryan and Adam have used any available Carolina stick handler as a bullseye to be bodied off the puck. Wearing down the Canes has been part of the Isles blueprint from the get-go, and P&P have been major contributors.

According to many media types covering the first round, Pulock has been the Islanders' best overall player in the series. These assets include his goal in Game One and his assist on Casey Cizikas' goal in Game Three.

Pelech has been a horse, averaging 23-plus minutes in four of the five games so far in the tournament. He can expect the same tonight. Together, they rank high among the team leaders.

Their overall game should not vary from what's been successful so far: that is, hit, defend well, and take away the open ice which the Canes like to occupy.

As for Dobson, he's rated third-best among the Nassau blue-liners. While his game still hangs a rung below his potential, Noah has proven that when he's on his game, he can do the job.

The Isles are regarded as an admirable example of a team that can succeed at what's considered "playoff hockey."

Pelech, Pulock, and Dobson are an essential trio to make it work tonight when a win will deliver the Isles to the coveted Game Seven in Raleigh!