CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The intensity was high at Tuesday’s Charlottetown Islanders practice.
It was their final time on the ice at the Eastlink Centre before hitting the road early this morning for a three-game road trip in Quebec beginning Thursday in Chicoutimi. The Islanders are coming off a stretch that saw them play five games in eight days.
“We haven’t had a ton of practice time in terms of working on structure, intensity and game situations,” head coach Jim Hulton said after practice. “We’re big on earning the right to win the games on the weekend through the week.”
Hulton, associate coach Guy Girouard and assistant coach Brad MacKenzie worked with the players when they were out of position both offensively and defensively.
“For us, we think this is the time to teach and adjust. We just have to keep getting better in all facets,” Hulton said.
There was a different look to the Islanders on Tuesday with a trio of defencemen not on the ice. Hulton said Saku Vesterinen, Brendon Clavelle and Noah Massie were all dealing with forms of colds but would make the trip to Quebec.
The forward lines also had a new look with Sam King skating with Pascal Aquin and Keith Getson while wingers Derek Gentile and Daniel Hardie flanked Cam Askew. Sullivan Sparkes was matched up with rookies Nikita Alexandrov and Brett Budgell.
Hulton said the team tinkered with some new combinations a bit at the end of Sunday’s 4-1 loss in Moncton.
He said the lines are still a work in progress after adding four new players up front during the trade period. Heading on the road this week means the Isles won’t have the last line change while the shuffling spreads the team’s size throughout its top units and gives the coaching staff a chance to see Askew in the middle.
After winning three straight games, Charlottetown is 0-2-1-0 in its past three games. Hulton said he like the team’s home game Friday with the Halifax Mooseheads and its second period the night before in Halifax. Sunday’s contest, he said, was a matchup of two tired teams.
The Islanders are 5-1 in Quebec this season, including an overtime win and a shootout victory and a 2-1 decision in Drummondville.
While pleased with the record, Hulton said, it means nothing come Thursday night when it has to prove itself again.
Upcoming games
A look at the Charlottetown Islanders next few games. All times Atlantic.
Thursday’s Game
8:30 p.m. – Charlottetown at Chicoutimi.
Friday’s Game
8:30 p.m. – Charlottetown at Baie-Comeau.
Sunday’s Game
4 p.m. – Charlottetown at Rimouski.
