Islanders likely to reunite Anthony Beauvillier with Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle vs. Flyers
Islanders center Mathew Barzal, left, and center Jordan Eberle, right, congratulate Anthony Beauvillier after he scores a goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first period of an NHL hockey game at Barclays Center on Friday, March 30, 2018. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Anthony Beauvillier isn’t overly worried about the lack of points or the recent lack of ice time. Still, he’s readily welcoming the chance to play with some familiar linemates.
Coach Barry Trotz placed the left wing with center Mathew Barzal and Jordan Eberle for Friday’s practice in East Meadow and that reunited trio — so effective as a second line last season — is likely to make its season’s debut as the Islanders (3-4-1) open a three-game road trip on Saturday afternoon at Philadelphia.
“These games are huge,” Beauvillier said. “They’re going to be points that make a difference.”
It’s the first of five straight games against Metropolitan Division opponents as the Islanders, whose only divisional game so far was a 2-1 overtime win at Carolina in the season opener on Oct. 4, also play at Carolina on Sunday and at Pittsburgh on Tuesday.
Beauvillier logged a season-low 9:02 in Wednesday’s 3-2 overtime loss to the Panthers at Barclays Center while playing on Valtteri Filppula’s left wing along with Leo Komarov. Part of that was because Beauvillier didn’t play on the penalty kill and part of it was Trotz relied more heavily on his top two lines as the game progressed.
“The last game I thought I had a really good first period so I just want to keep working hard,” said Beauvillier, 21, who has yet to record a point in his first seven games after compiling 21 goals and 15 assists in 71 games last season.
“The chances will come if I stay hard on all my battles,” Beauvillier added. “The numbers don’t really speak for itself but I just want to work hard and know I gave everything…I’m really happy with the opportunity to play with Barzy and Ebs.”
Beauvillier played the first four games this season on Barzal’s wing along with Josh Bailey before Trotz replaced him on the line with Andrew Ladd. Barzal and Ladd played together the past four games, the last three with Eberle on right wing.
Eberle notched his first goal of the season — and his first in 17 games dating to March 20 — against the Panthers. Barzal assisted on the power-play goal and has a goal and seven assists in eight games.
“Beau’s numbers may not be great right now but he’s playing hard,” Barzal said. “We’re going to try and get him on the board and get him going. We’re excited to have him back.”
Notes & quotes: Trotz said he planned to give goalie Robin Lehner his fourth straight start on Saturday and Thomas Greiss, whose last start was a 21-save outing in a 4-1 loss at Anaheim on Oct. 17, would likely get the nod against the Hurricanes. Greiss made 45 saves in the season opener at Carolina.
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.
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