Pelech & Dobson Defend Themselves For Incidents In Islanders Win Over Rangers

ELMONT, NY– It’s been two days since the New York Islanders defeated the New York Rangers in a 4-2 victory that gave them a massive boost in the playoff race.

But since the final horn sounded on Tuesday, all that anyone has been able to talk about are Adam Pelech’s collision with Mika Zibanejad and Noah Dobson’s crosscheck on Vincent Trocheck.

On Thursday morning, Pelech and Dobson both addressed their situations.

“It was completely unintentional, and I hope Mika is okay,” said Pelech. “I think if the camera showed me at all after the collision, you could tell that I felt sick about it because he didn’t look good going down and getting up off the ice.”

Zibanejad runs into Pelech’s elbow, ouch. pic.twitter.com/JctbBVgwNM

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) April 10, 2024

“It was just a hockey play,” said Dobson. “In my mind, we were trying to battle, trying to win a game, trying to get a playoff spot. The intensity was high [I was]  just trying to go for the puck.

“I’m not trying to hurt anyone. I’m glad he was able to get up, but I mean, it was a hockey play. At that time of year, the intensity is high. It’s not like my intent was to try and make a vicious play on him into the boards and hurt him. I think it’s just one of those plays in the moment. It’s a battle, and it’s the way it goes.”

Should Trocheck have gotten the call here? 😬

(🎥: @MSGNetworks) pic.twitter.com/KJ99E0txSF

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 10, 2024

Neither play was called for a penalty, inciting Rangers fans online and the team’s head coach, Peter Laviolette, who called both incidents “vicious” after the game.

Pelech said he was simply surprised by Laviolette’s comments.

Dobson elaborated.

“I don’t care too much about what the other team’s coach is saying,” said Dobson. “We have enough to focus on with Montreal tonight. Obviously, their coach is going to protect their players, and our coach is going to protect our players, but I haven’t given any thought to that. I’m just focused on trying to win tonight.”

The Islanders and Rangers will meet again on Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden, but both teams must first handle other business tonight.

The Rangers face the Philadelphia Flyers in Manhattan and will have Zibanejad and Trocheck in the lineup after both reportedly participated in the team’s practice this morning.

Meanwhile, the Islanders play host to the Montreal Canadiens at UBS Arena.

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