New York Islanders Three Standout Players from 2019 Preseason Game 3

The New York Islanders are three games into their preseason schedule. Those left in camp have to make an impression if they want a spot. Here are three standouts from game three of the preseason.

With a 4-3 overtime win over the Detroit Red Wings, the New York Islanders are still undefeated in the 2019 preseason. Two goals late in the game from Anthony Beauvillier sealed the victory for the Islanders. Devon Toews and Derick Brassard added the other two goals for the Islanders.

So far Barry Trotz’s men have looked good in the preseason. After tonight’s game who looked better than others? Who’s performance against the Detroit Red Wings should we take note of?

Arnaud Durandeau

The former sixth round pick in 2017 was a long shot to make the NHL. It wasn’t impossible, but the path to the league for sixth-round picks isn’t a direct one. But after a 73 point season with the Halifax Moosehead, the Islanders signed him to a three-year ELC.

There wasn’t much to expect from Durandeau going into training camp. After signing his ELC the AHL was the next step. No questions asked. But here he is still on the team after the first set of cuts.

Tonight, Durandeau showed why. He showed that he’s got explosive speed, has good vision of the ice, and can create offense by getting a primary assist on Derick Brassard’s second goal of the preseason.

Semyon Varlamov

The Isles new goalie played 40 minutes and was easily the team’s best player on the ice. He stopped 15 of 16 shots to keep the Islanders in the game.

It looks like Semyon Varlamov‘s lateral movement is in good shape and he’s got his angles right early in the preseason. He’ll get more time in net as the preseason moves on, but for now, what we saw in 40 minutes was very encouraging going into 2019-20.

Derick Brassard

Yes, Anthony Beauvillier got two goals on the night. But I’m keeping him out of my standout players. Beau’s spot is guaranteed going into the season. We know he’s going to get a chance in the top six. That wasn’t necessarily the case for Derick Brassard.

After a poor 2018-19 season, the veteran was a free agent until the Isles signed him at the end of August. Signed to a one-year $1.2 million deal, there was no guarantee that Brassard would make the team.

But with his second goal and third point of the preseason, it’s fair to say he’s cemented his place on the Isles third line.

It’s still early, but Brassard looks like he can turn the Islanders third line into a more offensive threat than it was last season.

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The New York Islanders are back in action tomorrow against the New Jersey Devils. No one playing today will play on Saturday. That means no Barzal and Wahlstrom line just yet.