Eyes On Isles

NY Islanders prospect Isaiah George is on a heater lately

London Knights v Oshawa Generals
London Knights v Oshawa Generals | Chris Tanouye/GettyImages

Well, it looks like the lower-body injury that NY Islanders prospect Isaiah George sustained in training camp is officially in his rear-view mirror. The Isles 2022 fourth-round selection at the NHL Entry Draft has been popping up on the radar as of late helping lead the London Knights in maintaining first place in the OHL's Midwest Division with his two-way play contributing on both ends of the ice.

In his last three games, George has collected four points on two goals and four points. At first glance, it might not sound like a lot, but it's not just the point totals that are determining said heater. It's the way in which George is collecting points that have been impressive as he's proving to be quite the puck-moving offensive defenseman. For instance, take a look at this goal he assisted on Wednesday against the Erie Otters:

George assists this goal creating the play all on his own during a 4on4 situation. What's most impressive about the play is the way George creates space for himself and utilizes it to score the goal. The 18-year-old Islander prospect recognizes he's run out of options to make a play while in the offensive zone. He's unafraid to exit the zone to attempt to re-enter with puck possession, and when he does, he speeds past the Erie defender with the puck on his backhand, is able to then put the puck on his forehand, and although the goaltender makes the initial save, forward Sean McGurn is there to clean up the rebound.

Then there's this play where George finds twine:

George recognizes that he has an opportunity to gain the slot on a rush by the Knights, receives a pass from Jackson Edward, and through three Sarnia Sting defenders, and wires a shot past Sarnia goaltender Nicholas Surzycia.

The Islanders prospect has displayed excellent two-way awareness while providing quite a bit of offense of late. The smooth skating defenseman is beginning to draw comparisons to NY Rangers defenseman K'Andre Miller for his style of play. It's excellent news for the Islanders organization, and even better news to see George playing as well as he is following the injury he sustained early this season. Now that it's a thing of the past, it will be a pleasure to watch George cook.

George and the Knights play one more time before the New Year today in another bout against the Sting, another opportuity to send 2022 out with a bang.

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