"Through his first week in the NHL, New York Islanders rookie from the KHL, Max Shabanov, has already shown why the Islanders believed his talent would translate - scoring on his first shot in the league and coming close several times since, often on bold, creative plays. In between those moments, the growing pains have been visible, too - quiet stretches at five-on-five, occasional lost battles, and the look of a player still calibrating to NHL pace and physicality."
"Even with the inconsistency, coach Patrick Roy has leaned in, giving Shabanov power-play minutes and third-line usage. "I just feel like every game he seems to be more comfortable on the ice," Roy told Sears. "More confident. He's moving that puck very well... I'm very surprised to see how well he's playing defensively as well. That's a pleasant surprise.""
Max Shabanov scored on his first NHL shot and produced several additional high-skill scoring chances while displaying creative playmaking. Periods of clear potential alternate with visible growing pains, including quiet five-on-five stretches and occasional lost battles as he adapts to NHL pace and physicality. Coach Patrick Roy has leaned into Shabanov by giving power-play minutes and third-line usage and has praised his increasing comfort, puck movement and defensive play. Underlying numbers show the Islanders were out-chanced during his even-strength minutes, but internal response favors patience and curiosity about his longer-term ceiling.
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