New York Islanders defenseman Sebastian Aho (25) plays the puck against Buffalo Sabres right wing JJ Peterka (77) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The Islanders were nursing a 1-0 lead with 3:20 to go in the second period with play at 4-on-4 when defenseman Sebastian Aho found himself on the left endboards of his own team’s zone with two Arizona Coyotes bearing down on him.
Rather than flick the puck up the boards into the neutral zone for what would generally be a 50-50 chance for the Islanders retain possession, he weaved through the pressure himself to the left circle before firing a pass to center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, sparking a 2-on-1 chance on the other end.
“I’m maybe a little bit more confident now [to make that play],” Aho said on Thursday. “I trust myself a little bit more to try and do it a little more often and be more successful with it. I’ve had a little bit more poise so far with the puck.”
The 27-year-old blueliner has taken a stranglehold on a bottom-pair spot within the Islanders’ defense after playing a career-high 71 games last season. His two-way abilities have already made him a quarterback on the New York power play, but it’s also showing an ability to supplement the offensive attack two games in. Along with his burgeoning transitional play, his 11 shot attempts are tied for second-most on the team.
Aho is making good on his chance to become a regular in the starting lineup. He played in a combined 61 games from 2017-2022 before getting those 71 games last year.
“The more you play, the better you usually feel,” Aho said. “Then you start doing stuff you know you can but maybe you don’t really want to do unless you feel that your game is on in a good place.”
Hence the kind of play he made on the left end boards on Tuesday night, which ultimately ended in a 1-0 Islanders victory.
“With a little bit more…
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