Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov returns from injury for Game 3
Alexander Romanov #28 of the New York Islanders skates during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Three of the First Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at UBS Arena on Friday, Apr. 21, 2023 in Elmont, New York. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Physical defenseman Alexander Romanov returned to the Islanders’ lineup on Friday night for their 5-1 win over the Hurricanes at UBS Arena in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series after missing seven games with what an NHL source told Newsday was a torn right labrum.
Romanov, paired mostly with Adam Pelech, was a plus-3 in 15:25 and was credited with four hits.
Romanov was injured while tangling with the Lightning’s Corey Perry on April 1. “This was my fault,” he told Newsday. “I tried to get him out from the net. Unfortunately, I fell down. It just was unlucky. I didn’t expect it.”
Romanov said it was difficult not playing down the stretch — the Islanders clinched a wild-card berth in their season finale — and the first two games of this series, which they lost.
“I was so nervous,” he said. “I can’t even watch the games. But I still want to see how my partners play. A tough time.”
Pageau’s side
The Hurricanes played their first game without top-line left wing Teuvo Teravainen, who underwent surgery after breaking his left hand when Islanders center Jean-Gabriel Pageau hit him with his stick in the third period of Game 2. Pageau was not called for a slashing penalty, which displeased Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour.
“I wish him a speedy recovery,” Pageau said. “But it was not in my intention [to hurt him]. I didn’t even know I caught him there. It’s a play that happens a lot. I clear a puck on the penalty kill and the same play happens. It’s just unfortunate.”
Isles files
Forwards Josh Bailey, Ross Johnston and Simon Holmstrom remained healthy scratches, along with defensemen Samuel Bolduc and Parker Wotherspoon . . . Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen (illness) did not dress for a second straight game.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
