Sometimes, change can be good - and sometimes, a change of scenery can really help a player.
In the case of Ondrej Palat, it’s only one game, but change showed to be very good for him, as he scored a goal and an assist in his Islanders debut, a 5-2 win over the Rangers Wednesday night at UBS Arena. Palat and newly acquired defenseman Carson Soucy came up winners the first time they put on an Islanders jersey.
But perhaps the most important feeling that Palat had after the game was that he felt wanted.
“I’m thankful the Islanders wanted me and (New) Jersey (didn’t),” Palat told WFAN.com after the game. “You just feel more comfortable when you go to a team that actually wants you. They want what you bring on the ice and so it’s a big difference.”
Palat was acquired by the Islanders from the Devils on Tuesday, along with a 2026 3rd round pick and a 2027 6th round pick, in exchange for Maxim Tsyplakov. The deal paid immediate dividends as Palat was named the number one star and was the recipient of the team’s “Ironman” mask given out after every win.
Palat opened the scoring in the game with a power play goal in the first period, and then picked up a secondary assist on Emil Heinman’s 2nd period goal that that increased the Islanders' lead to 5-2.
Playing on a line with Bo Horvat and Heineman, Palat felt very comfortable in his Islanders debut.
“The system is pretty easy but there’s still room for improvement,” said Palat. "I’m going to play more games and I’ll get more comfortable but I think for a first game, I thought we played well. I thought those guys (Horvat and Heineman) helped me so much. Their hockey IQ. When you play with players like that, and the defense played unbelievable, it’s pretty easy when you’re playing with top guys like that.”
The season had been a struggle for Palat in New Jersey, as he had just four goals and six assists for ten points in 51 games and was a -5. In just one game for the Islanders, he matched the season total that Tsyplakov had with the Isles.
Islanders General Manager Mathieu Darche was very familiar with Palat from their days together in Tampa Bay winning two Stanley Cups, so while it looked like a nostalgic move for the new Isles GM, it’s a deal that made the Islanders better and made an immediate impact.
It’s just one game, but Palat feels right at home.
“I told the guys I was thankful that they made it very easy for me to blend into the team,” said Palat. “There are still some names I don’t know around the team and the organization. I’m happy I got a couple (of points) but the team played well and that’s all that matters.”
Ondrej Palat could not have asked for a better Islanders debut, and he won’t have to wait long for game number two, as the Islanders finish their home and home with the Rangers Thursday night at Madison Square Garden. He is a player with a winning pedigree, and he’s exactly what the Islanders needed as they push for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.