Ex-Maple Leaf Pierre Engvall faced old team first time, enjoyed beating them
Pierre Engvall of the New York Islanders skates against the Washington Capitals at UBS Arena on March 11, 2023. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Islanders’ Pierre Engvall spent five-plus seasons in the Maple Leafs’ organization. He was a happy victorious opponent in his first game against his former team on Tuesday night at UBS arena.
“It was, of course, special,” Engvall said after the 7-2 win. “But it was a lot of fun, especially to beat the guys. It was a good feeling, I can’t lie about that. We played a good game.”
Engvall, acquired on Feb. 28 for a third-round pick in 2024, logged 14:34 without a shot and had his four-game point streak snapped.
Engvall, an impending unrestricted free agent as he completes a one-year, $2.25 million deal, had three goals and an assist in his previous four games.
One difference between the teams is that the Maple Leafs have long been all but locked into a first-round playoff matchup against the Lightning. The Islanders are still battling to secure an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
“I don’t think we look forward too much,” Engvall said. “Toronto is in a playoff spot already. We’re trying to win as many games as we can.”
Last game with cage
Defenseman Alexander Romanov said Tuesday would be the last game he would have to wear the full face shield he’s used since taking a puck to the mouth on Jan. 28. Romanov suffered a broken jaw, lost a tooth and suffered additional bone damage above two of his upper teeth.
“It will be fun to play without the cage,” Romanov said. “It was good. If you concentrate on the game, it doesn’t matter.”
Isles files
Islanders president/general manager Lou Lamoriello earned his 1,400th win since entering the NHL in 1987…The Islanders held their last Legacy Night of the season, this one celebrating Butch Goring’s career…Fs Josh Bailey and Ross Johnston and D Parker Wotherspoon remained healthy scratches.
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.
