Adam Pelech Shines, Cannon Unleashed, Metropolitan Division Wins

This past Friday and Saturday, defenseman Adam Pelech was the lone representative from the New York Islanders at the 2022 NHL All-Star festivities in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Everyone loves offense. Whether it be the dangles the lethal shots, these “wow” elements of the game of hockey make it one of, if not the coolest (maybe a little biased) sporting events to attend.

That’s why defensive defenseman Adam Pelech being selected as the Islanders’ lone representative was unique. It also shows that his defensive skill set is not only valued but appreciated by the NHL, not just New York Islanders management and their fanbase.

For the 2022 NHL All-Star Skills Competition, Adam Pelech participated in the NHL’s Hardest Shot contest against Tampa Bay Lightning’s Victor Hedman, San Jose Sharks Timmo Meier, and Washington Capitals Tom Wilson.

Out of these four players, Pelech entered the contest with the lowest recorded shot in a game this season, at 91.4 mph.

However, he would end the contest with the second-fastest shot at 102.2 mph.

102.2 for Pelech. 👏 pic.twitter.com/QPzRzGKV7f

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 5, 2022

Hedman beat out Pelech, as he hit 103.2 to be crowned Hardest Shooter.

Although goaltenders are the center of attention for the Save Streak contest, Pelech scored a beauty against Toronto’s Jack Campbell, as he showed off his set of silky mitts.

*whispers*

Should Pelech have been in the Breakaway Challenge? pic.twitter.com/7HhlNI7HP3

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 5, 2022

“I was glad with how everything went but it was just fun to be part of the whole experience,” Pelech said.

As for his goal during the save streak, “It’s just for fun right? You’re trying to do some cool stuff and luckily enough that first one went in.”

Adam Pelech and the Metropolitan Division went on to win the 2022 NHL All-Star Game, as they took down the Central Division 5-3.

In the first game against the Pacific Division, Pelech’s steal and saucer pass to Jack Hughes set up the go-ahead goal with 3:44 to go in the second and final period to advance to the Finals.

Pelech with some backhand sauce for the assist. pic.twitter.com/j0Odg1aaaE

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 5, 2022

In the Finals against the Central, Pelech had a key defensive play to deny a scoring chance and cleared the puck away in the final moments.

Pens goalie Tristan Jarry denies the comeback and secures ONE MILLION for the Metropolitan Division @Penguins #NHLAllStar pic.twitter.com/1Epvjl2tIO

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) February 5, 2022

It was a fantastic showing for Adam Pelech at the 2022 NHL All-Star Events. It was the first All-Star appearance of his seven-year career but his play has been All-Star-like for the New York Islanders for years on what was one of the strongest defensive teams in hockey over the last two seasons.