Anthony Beauvillier doesn't practice, status uncertain for Game 2
Islanders left wing Anthony Beauvillier and Penguins center Sidney Crosby battle behind the goal during the first period of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals on Wednesday at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Anthony Beauvillier was the lone Islander not to practice on Thursday in East Meadow as the team prepared for Game 2 of its first-round series against the Penguins.
Barry Trotz termed it a “maintenance day,” giving no indication whether Beauvillier will be available on Friday night at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum.
Beauvillier’s ice time of 11:01 in Wednesday night’s 4-3 overtime win in Game 1 — his NHL playoff debut — was the least among Islanders forwards. Beauvillier took one shot while playing on Valtteri Filppula’s left wing along with Leo Komarov and had two missed shots. He was on ice for one overtime shift, which ended just less than two minutes before Josh Bailey’s winner at 4:39.
Beauvillier also set a screen on Penguins goalie Matt Murray as Nick Leddy’s blue-line floater gave the Islanders a 3-2 lead at 12:35 of the third period.
“He was on the puck,” Trotz said. “Even on the Leddy goal, he was in the dirty area. That goal might not go in if Beau is not right in front of Murray and taking his eyes away a little bit. I liked his game.”
Beauvillier had 18 goals and 10 assists in 81 regular-season games but had only two goals and three assists in the last 15 games.
Rookie Michael Dal Colle, a healthy scratch in Game 1, skated in Beauvillier’s spot in practice.
Penguins notes
Defensemen Erik Gudbranson and Brian Dumoulin, who retreated to the dressing room at different points in Game 1, participated in the Penguins’ practice at the Coliseum and likely will be available for Game 2 . . . Coach Mike Sullivan opened practice with a drill in which righthanded shooters had to use lefthanded sticks and vice versa. “It had nothing to do with the game last night,” Sullivan said. “It was more just to boost morale, have some fun.”
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.
