Islanders Morning Skate Updates Ahead of Game vs. Coyotes TEMPE, AZ -- The last time the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-offense-lambert-lee-horvat-barzal-engvall-nelson-palmieri] were at Mullet Arena, they fell 5-4 after blowing a 2-0 lead. Not only did they suffer defeat, but after welcoming forward Kyle Palmieri [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/kyle-palmieri-new-york-islanders-fasching-wahlstrom-gauthier-holmstrom-johnston-lambert] back to the lineup after a 10-game absence due to a concussion, he took a hit from Coyotes forward Nate Ritchie in the third period, forcing him into concussion protocol. He did return for the third period and spoke to the media, but after further testing, Palmieri was back on the shelf. Palmieri went on to miss the next 17 games before returning against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 23. From then on out, alongside Brock Nelson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/brock-nelson-new-york-islanders-stan-fischler-stefen-rosner] and eventually Pierre Engvall [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/features/pierre-engvall-new-york-islanders-32-thoughts-podcast-extension], Palmieri was playing the best brand of hockey we had seen him play since coming to the Islanders at the 2021 NHL Deadline (minus his playoff performance). When the Islanders returned for training camp, Palmieri wasn't ready, suffering an injury during summer training. The Long Island native joined the group later on, getting into the final game of preseason before being ready to go for opening night. Health was always going to be what stood in Palmieri's way from being effective, and so far, so good for New York. In 37 games, Palmieri has nine goals with 12 assists, and his line has remained as dominant as they were in the second half of last season. According to MoneyPuck.com [https://moneypuck.com/lines.htm], his line has been on the ice for 19 goals, which ranks fourth in the NHL. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzMzk5NDQyMDAxMzA3MjE1/screenshot-2024-01-04-at-31856-pm.png] Ahead of the puck drop against the Coyotes, The Hockey News caught up with Palmieri to get his thoughts on the injury, his season, and more. The best ability is availability, and Palmieri knows that to be effective for New York, he needs to be on the ice. "Being in the lineup and being healthy is key. It's the only way to be a part of your team and contribute and make an impact," Palmieri told The Hockey News. "So you take it day by day. Some things are a little out of your control, especially with injuries like the one here last time. "Every day you're healthy and able to play is something to be grateful and fortunate for it, and it's definitely not lost on me." Missing time is a mental battle outside of the physical battle that comes with rehabbing. "Realistically, you miss big chunks of time -- I'm sure Pelech just went through this. Pulock, he's going through it -- when the team goes on the road, you're at home," Palmieri said. "There's maybe another guy at the rink with you and a trainer, and it's it's tough. You're so used to, especially when we go on these road trips here around the same 23 guys for seven to eight days at a time, and you're seeing them every day for a couple of hours and going out to dinner and things like that. "So it's hard mentally to kind of stay with it and focus, and I think for everybody, there's kind of ups and downs of that process, and you just kind of got to take it day by day and make sure you're working and trying to get better." After such a strong finish to last season and continued success to start the year, Palmieri is mostly happy about his line's performance thus far. "For the most part. We've had success as a line, and we play a certain way. I don't think it's anything too flashy," Palmieri said. "I mean, you saw the other night how fast these two guys are. So, for me, it's really helped them getting pucks back and going to the net, and they do such a good job of using their speed and their big bodies that I just try to meet the puck at the net and hope something's laying there and for me." While Engvall has been a strong addition to that line, Palmieri and Nelson had already had strong chemistry. THN asked Palmieri what has allowed him and Nelson to flourish. "We're close off the ice. And I think on the ice, we just play somewhat similar styles. We like to attack. I mean, guys play differently and have different strengths. Obviously, you're watching Barzal and the way he can skate and possess the puck, and Nelson, he's a big body, and he likes to attack the net. "He's scored, whatever, 40 goals last year, and a lot of them are right there. Obviously, he's got a great shot, but a lot of them around the net, using his stick and his body to either clean up a rebound or make a tip or anything like that." The Islanders' power play has been the biggest improvement, operating at 23.3 percent after a success rate of 15.8 percent last season. Palmieri, the net-front presence on the top power-play unit, shared that knowing Nelson's game (one-time option from the right circle) from their 5-on-5 play helps when they hit the ice for the power play. "Yeah, I mean, that's one thing and just the flow of the game. Sometimes when you have guys from four different lines on the power play, you come out of the power play, that line is different," Palmieri said. "It definitely helps, and you're always talking to him, whether it's about 5-on-5 or when we've been out there on the penalty kill together every once in a while, so we'll just continue to try and build and make an impact on the game and help our team win." Following the interview with Palmieri, THN asked Islanders head coach Lane Lambert what he thought about Palmieri's play. "He's a powerful forward, a power guy," Lambert said. "As it stands right now, I'd like to see a little bit more jump in his step. But, he's good on the power play, net front, and he's really good for that line." Palmieri is currently riding a nine-game goal drought with three assists over that span. TOP STORIES
