Alexander Romanov admits struggles during long awaited NY Islanders return to action

Alexander Romanov wasn't going to pretend his first NHL game action in 10 months went smoothly. The New York Islanders defenseman returned to the lineup Friday in a 6-1 preseason loss to the New York Rangers and acknowledged needing much of the game to adjust to the speed after his lengthy absence. "I'm happy to play my first game," Romanov said. "I didn't play 10 months, and the first two periods was tough."

Romanov spent the offseason working his way back before returning to practice during training camp. But practice couldn't completely simulate what he encountered against the Rangers. "I was just turning my head, like left and right, just looking at the guys skating in front of me," Romanov said. He said the biggest adjustment was getting accustomed to the speed of the game and "how fast you got to think."

There were encouraging signs as the night progressed. Romanov said he began feeling more comfortable during the third period and pointed to several takeaways, interceptions and other plays that made him feel more like himself. "I like my third period," Romanov said. "If you can rewatch it, like I think I played not bad. First two I was struggling, but third one, I like it."

The timing leaves Romanov little opportunity for a lengthy adjustment period with the regular season beginning Wednesday. He has another preseason game available to continue working himself back into game condition, but Romanov didn't express any concern about whether he'll be prepared when the games begin to count. "I'm ready," he said. "We got one more game tomorrow, and I'm ready."

Friday wasn't the return Romanov would have drawn up, particularly with the Islanders allowing six goals. But after 10 months without playing in a game, there was always going to be an adjustment. Romanov struggled through the first two periods, started seeing the game more naturally in the third and came away convinced he had taken the step he needed before the regular season.

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