Anthony Beauvillier's injury causes more Islanders lineup juggling
Islanders left wing Anthony Beauvillier during training camp at Northwell Health Ice Center on Jan. 12. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Anthony Beauvillier will miss at least four games after being placed on injured reserve prior to the Islanders’ 3-2 loss to the Capitals on Tuesday night at Washington.
Kieffer Bellows logged 11:04 with two shots as he was elevated from the taxi squad and re-inserted into the lineup after playing in the first four games. Leo Komarov played 11:17 but took a five-minute boarding major in the third period as he was in the lineup for the first time after being a healthy scratch for the first five games.
Komarov was also on the ice for defenseman Justin Schultz’s winner with 26.4 seconds left in regulation, seemingly getting lost on his defensive assignments as the Capitals moved the puck up ice.
"I trust Leo," coach Barry Trotz said when asked if he regretted putting Komarov back on the ice after his penalty. "Leo’s been a good, solid player, especially late in games. So, I have no regrets about that at all."
Beauvillier suffered a lower-body injury in Sunday’s 2-0 loss at New Jersey. He had nine goals and five assists in 22 postseason games but started this season with just one assist in five games.
"Beau’s a pretty integral part of our offense," top-line center Mathew Barzal said. "He plays the half-wall on the power play and brings a dynamic presence with speed that’s tough to find. It’s unfortunate he’s out."
Bellows also replaced Beauvillier on the power play.
Isles files
Schultz’s late goal kept the Capitals from going to overtime for a franchise-record fifth straight game…Defenseman Adam Pelech blocked a game-high five shots, briefly retreating to the Islanders’ room after taking T.J. Oshie’s first-period shot off his right skate…Defenseman Noah Dobson’s first-period goal was initially credited to Anders Lee. Said Dobson, "I thought he tipped it at first but he said he didn’t touch it."
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
