Thomas Hickey says the benching of rookie NY Islanders D Isaiah George is no big deal

It took longer than it does for most, but New York Islanders rookie defenseman Isaiah George experienced some growing pains during Tuesday night's 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Misplays, questionable decisions, and turnovers led the 20-year-old to watch the second half of the game from the bench, taking his final shift midway through the second period.

That's to be expected and fact that it took until his 18th NHL game for him to have a really off night in some way speaks to how well he's played this season.

"No big deal. He's 20 years old, and the fact that he hasn't gotten himself to this point is a testament to him, and well, he's played, said Thomas Hickey on the MSG Networks post-game show. "As a defenseman in the NHL, the younger you are, the harder it is to get your game back on track, and sometimes, when things don't go well at the start of the game, your position gets out of sorts, maybe your timing is a little bit off, not that you're overthinking things, but sometimes it feels like you're chasing the game."

George played only ten shifts and a career-low 7:36 in the loss. He didn't play the final 32:22 for the Islanders, who were already down Scott Mayfield (illness), as Grant Hutton was back in the lineup. Head Coach Patrick Roy was asked about George being benched after the game, and he used some colorful language in his response, which led to it being edited out of the MSG post-game show.

Luckily, we have beat writers.

“Hey, this kid has been outstanding for us since he’s been here,” Roy said via Ethan Sears of the New York Post. “These things happen. On my rookie year, I had some s—ty nights. I think we call that a career. I think he’s gonna learn a lot from that game and now I want him to bounce back.”

Roy is hoping and expecting this to be a teachable moment for the young defenseman and fully expects him to learn quickly ahead of Thursday night's game against Chicago. As good as George has been, there is a decision looming for the organization as Adam Pelech gets closer to returning.

George, who has averaged 17:50 TOI and has three assists, has played well enough to remain with the team, but the coaching staff will have to decide whether the rookie or Dennis Cholowski is the sixth defenseman. If it's the veteran, then a determination of whether George should play big minutes in Bridgeport or stay on Long Island as the seventh defenseman some nights will have to be made.