New York Islanders: Jean-Gabriel Pageau impresses in debut

In his first game with the New York Islanders, Jean-Gabriel Pageau made a strong statement with an impressive performance against the New York Rangers.

When the New York Islanders acquired Jean-Gabriel Pageau from the Ottawa Senators, the fanbase knew they were getting a strong offensive weapon that would add much-needed depth at the center position. They knew he had a history of upping his game come playoff time and that he would only make this team stronger. But what they did not know was the type of teammate he would be, but they would find out rather quickly.

Besides Derick Brassard, no one on his new team had been a teammate of his at the NHL level, and it could take time for him to get acclimated after being traded for the first time.

More from Puck Prose

• Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
• This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
• 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
• 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
• This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings

General manager Lou Lamoriello wasted no time making sure the 27-year old forward was signed long term, as both sides agreed to a six-year $30 million contract extension ($5 million AAV).

After yesterday’s morning skate, Pageau got his first taste of New York media. After listening to his interview a few times, this line clicked in my head that this player would be a perfect fit.

"“I really like their mentality, the way that they want to win. I see how tight their group is in the room, I see that it’s a big family. I really want to join that family and be part of it, it’s something that I wanted to do long term.”"

Pageau did his research, explaining how he talked to some of the players before signing the extension and came to the fruition that this was a place he wanted to be for a while. And that speaks volumes to not just his teammates, but to the fanbase that has seen numerous players come and go.

So Pageau’s’ first encounter with the media was a successful one, but there was still a game to be played against his new rivals in the New York Rangers. And his first game was a roller coaster. With the Islanders trailing 2-0 after a period of play, Pageau scored his first goal with his new team in his first game with them.

Was it a beautiful goal? No, not at all, but he was one of the few players on the rink that was able to track a hard shot off the glass and bury it into the vacated net. A goal is a goal, as it looks the same on the scoresheet. The crowd would erupt, as the Islanders were back in this one.

But Pageau was not done leaving his mark on this game. Later in the third period, he would feed his linemate Michael Dal Colle, who struggled to corral the puck resulting in him having to lower his head to find it in his skates.

Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba saw this and laid a questionable hit, sending Dal Colle down to the ice rather harshly, as it appeared to be a direct hit to this head. Without hesitation, Pageau’s gloves came flying off, as the 5’9″ forward went at it with the 6’3″ Trouba.

Tough to watch, but have a look.

It did not matter who won the fight, it was the principle. Severely outmatched, Pageau stood up for his teammate, saying later after the game, that his new teammates would have done the same if he was the one that took the “high” hit.

Trouba would not be penalized on the play for the hit, as both players would receive five minutes for fighting, with Pageau getting an extra two-minute penalty for instigation, which comes with a 10-minute misconduct.

In his absence, his teammates battled back to even the score at 3, as Brock Nelson came up clutch, scoring with 18 seconds left on the clock to force overtime.

Even though the Rangers would send the Islanders’ faithful home with their heads down, nothing could take away from the performance of Pageau. He represented the Islanders well and earned respect from his teammates, his coaching staff and the fans.

In only 12:07 of ice time due to the penalties, Pageau registered 2 shots on goal, scoring one, 3 hits, and won 71.4% of his faceoffs. All in all a successful night for the newest member of the Islanders.