Newcomer Pierre Engvall still not getting a lot of minutes with Islanders
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is stopped by Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin while being pressured by left wing Pierre Engvall and defenseman Scott Mayfield during the first period of an NHL game Thursday in Pittsburgh. Credit: AP/Philip G. Pavely
PITTSBURGH — Pierre Engvall’s transition to the Islanders hasn’t been the smoothest.
The forward, playing his third game since being acquired from the Maple Leafs for a third-round pick in 2024, had his ice time limited for the second straight match in Thursday night’s win over the Penguins.
Engvall, who started on Bo Horvat’s top line, was a minus-1 and logged just 8:23, getting two shifts apiece in the second and third periods. He received only two third-period shifts and was a minus-2 in 12:24 in Tuesday night’s 3-2 win over the visiting Sabres.
Coach Lane Lambert cited Engvall’s unfamiliarity with the Islanders’ system.
“We just talked about it after the game. There’s some things to work on and get better,” Engvall said. “I’m just trying to play my game, do my best and get better at some new things.”
Lambert said he still expects Engvall to be a key contributor.
“We’re going pretty good here,” he said. “He’s new, he’s coming in. He’s going to be a big part of our hockey team. I wouldn’t look too deeply into it.”
Getting closer
Cal Clutterbuck participated in Thursday’s morning skate, marking the right wing’s first time on ice with his teammates since suffering an upper-body injury. Center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, also on injured reserve with an upper-body issue, worked with the team for a second time. “They’re getting closer,” Lambert said. “They’re still day-to-day.”
Clutterbuck missed his 20th game since Jan. 21. Pageau was out of the lineup for the 11th time since Feb. 14.
Isles files
C Brock Nelson scored his sixth game-winner of the season, setting a career high. Nelson, with a goal and an assist, had his fifth straight multi-point game against the Penguins.
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.
