Josh Bailey's assist on Brock Nelson's goal gives him 500 NHL points
Josh Bailey of the Islanders skates during the first period against the Devils at Nassau Coliseum on Thursday. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Josh Bailey reached his milestone 500th career point in the Islanders’ 1-0 win over the Capitals on Tuesday night at Nassau Coliseum.
The longest-tenured Islander, playing in his 904th game since 2008, received the primary assist on Brock Nelson’s goal at 13:05 of the third period. Bailey got to the crease along with his linemate as the rebound of defenseman Ryan Pulock’s shot from the right point grazed him before getting to Nelson’s stick.
Bailey became the 11th Islander with at least 500 points. Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier leads the team list with 1,353 points while Bobby Nystrom is 10th with 513.
"I knew it was close," Bailey said. "I really haven’t spent much time thinking about it."
Bellows returns
Rookie Kieffer Bellows logged 10:16 with a shot, three hits and a blocked shot as he took burly Ross Johnston’s spot on Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s left wing.
Coach Barry Trotz said Johnston was day to day. He exited Saturday’s 3-2, four-round shootout win over the Flyers at 2:47 of the first period after taking a punch to the face from Samuel Morin but was able to practice on Monday.
"I thought Kieffer came in and did a real good job," Trotz said. "He was physical. He was detailed systematically and he was competing. I liked his game."
Isles files
Lou Lamoriello earned his 1,319 win as a general manager, tying Glen Sather for second place on the NHL’s all-time list behind the Predators’ David Poile (1,436)…Michael Dal Colle (injured reserve/lower body) missed his fifth game…Radio play-by-play voice Chris King missed his third game because of COVID-19 protocols. Analyst Greg Picker handled the play-by-play duties partnered with Cory Wright, the Islanders senior manager for web content…The Islanders were 2-for-2 on the penalty kill, limiting the Capitals to two shots.
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.
