EDMONTON, Alberta — Aatu Raty seems unfazed by Islanders coach Lane Lambert’s decision to limit his ice time during Tuesday’s victory over the Canucks.
Prior to Thursday’s 4-2 loss against the Oilers, Raty told The Post, “You don’t think about it.” “I feel so involved in the game, whether I’m on the ice or watching every shift from the bench. Being in the game obviously makes no difference if you are playing for 20 minutes or much less. We were matching up heavily, so I believe that to be the case.”
Despite tying the game at 1-1 at the beginning of the second period, Raty skated for only 6:15 overall in Vancouver. In each of the first two periods, he was limited to less than two minutes of ice time. In the third period, he played 3:01, although 1:09 of that was in the final two minutes, when the outcome was certain.
His Thursday playing time in Edmonton was not any better. Raty finished the game with just 7:29 minutes of ice time and received a faceoff violation penalty in the third period.
Raty, a top organization prospect, played in his sixth game with the squad on Thursday. If he plays 10 games, the first year of his NHL entry-level contract will begin. This could encourage the Islanders to send him back to AHL Bridgeport if they don’t see him playing a consistent role before then.
Injuries have thus far compelled the Islanders to retain Raty in the lineup, and it remains to be seen whether that will still be the case four games from now. Lambert has been optimistic about the influence of the 20-year-old.
Lambert stated, “He’s trustworthy, which is a great quality in a young player. His faceoffs have been good, and he’s developing.” “I appreciate his eagerness for further ice time. Our responsibility is to oversee this and ensure that he is prepared. He is doing an outstanding job with that.”
Following the Vancouver game, Lambert also noted Raty’s ability to play both offense and defense.
“It’s encouraging to hear some positive comments,” Raty remarked. “Playing both ways since I went professional… It has always existed. I believe that in Finland, regardless of whether you are the top player on the squad, you are taught to play both ways. It is how I believe I was raised, and you would never consider disregarding that.”
Cal Clutterbuck (right finger) was activated off injured reserve prior to Thursday’s game; he scored, played 11:12 minutes, and recorded seven hits in a losing effort. Afterward, he reported feeling fine.
Kyle Palmieri (upper body) skated in the morning but did not participate in the game. In New York, Simon Holmstrom (knee) has skated alone. According to Lambert, Adam Pelech (head) will soon skate on his own.
»Aatu Raty of the Islanders seems unfazed by his limited playing time«