New York Islanders West Coast Edition (Winners & Losers)

Winner: Anthony Beauvillier

It’s hard to make a case for this kind not being a winner. Partly because, surprise, surprise, there are few on this team.

But since being given a spot on the Islanders active roster he’s done nothing but impress. Which inevitably means that he was scratched for no explicable reason, or give below ten minutes of ice-time even when he did make the lineup.

But even with all that in mind, Anthony Beauvillier’s rolled with the punches. From scoring a highlight reel goal against Pittsburgh to playing top line minutes alongside John Tavares. Everything’s coming up Beau.

Unless Capuano decides to shuffle the lines again and Beauvillier only plays about seven minutes a night. More to come on that. But until such a time; winner, winner, chicken dinner.

The way this kid is playing adds a real spark to that top line. Don’t get me wrong, Tavares will be Tavares. But when he’s surrounded by the likes of Bailey and Clutterbuck it’s easy for the opposition to double team Tavares to shut him down.

Beauvillier’s got that jump, creativity and offensive flair to pull that defender away and give Tavares some space to create.

Now, if only Jack Capuano can actually decide to play Beauvillier consistently alongside Tavares. It’s all fine to say Beauvillier is on the top line. But when he’s playing about 15 minutes a night on this trip. Just against Los Angeles, the likes of Strome, Nelson, and Kulemin had more ice time.

I get Nelson. Aside from Tavares, he’s the only other player scoring. But Strome and Kulemin?