When Garth Snow signed Adam Pelech to a four-year, $6.4 million contract extension, fans were confused. Now, there is no confusion. Pelech is an elite, stay-at-home defenseman who drives play for his team and has one of the best contracts in hockey.

“[Pelech] is hitting his stride,” said Islanders head coach Barry Trotz. “He is getting more and more reps so all those instincts that make him a good defender are getting acutely sharp.”

Pelech suffered an expected season ending achilles injury playing soccer before a game in January. Without their star defenseman, New York was 10-13-7 with a 3.03 goals against average during the regular season.

COVID-19 has been hard for many people, but it gave Pelech a second chance at playing hockey this year. And the Islanders are taking advantage. Having Pelech back in the lineup turns the Islanders into a defensive powerhouse, one capable of contending for a Stanley Cup. In games with Pelech this season (including the playoffs), they are 31-11-3.

“As I got out of the boot we kind of kicked it into high gear with the rehab, got me on the ice and luckily I had a lot of time to get back to 100 percent,” Pelech said before the postseason began. “I’m really happy that I’m able to play in the playoffs with my team, I didn’t think that was a possibility this season. I’m really glad for the opportunity.”

Pelech’s long poke checks, timely pinches and cerebral shots from the point are the secret weapon for New York. The Islanders have not had a player of his caliber on the blueline for decades and the results are showing.

In seven first round playoff games against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, Pelech has been tasked with shutting down Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin. In those seven games, the two players have combined for two goals and one assist.

Pelech has a knack of frustrating his opponents. He is a master of controlled physicality, perfectly utilizing his strength without taking penalties or getting caught out of position in the process. So far this postseason, Pelech has drawn five minors, most of which stem from built-up anger from his opponent.

There was no greater example of his impact than yesterday’s 2-1 overtime victory in Game 3 over the Capitals.

In 14:27 of ice time against Ovechkin, the Islanders led in attempts 17-6, shots 6-2 and high danger chances 4-0. On his 26th birthday, Pelech celebrated with a perfect shift, leading a rush from the defensive zone and placing a marvelous pass on the stick of Anders Lee in front of the net for New York’s first goal.

the birthday boy sets this one up for our captain! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/n1ORjuVlkQ

— x-new york islanders (@NYIslanders) August 16, 2020

Pelech’s assist made him the first Islander to record a point on his birthday since Tomas Jonsson in 1988. Just like Pelech, Jonsson was known for his powerful skating, command of the puck and smart two-way play. He won two Stanley Cups with the Islanders.

The Islanders hope Pelech and Jonsson will have something else in common at the conclusion of the playoffs: a Stanley Cup ring. Pelech may not be the sexy name, but he is slowly getting more recognition as a dominant, elite defenseman. If he keeps up this level of play and the Islanders follow his success, they could be raising a banner next season.

Drive4Five