New York Islanders Anthony Beauvillier Has Awakened

The New York Islanders had high hopes for Anthony Beauvillier entering this season. The Isles brass was hoping he would take the next step in his development. The first half was a struggle for the sophomore forward but it appears he has awakened.

Anthony Beauvillier had a solid rookie season for the New York Islanders last season, especially when Doug Weight took over as head coach. Last year Beauvillier posted nine goals along with 24 points while having a plus-one rating in 66 games.

The Isles decision makers were not looking for the 2015 first-round pick to be a savior or an all-star this season. The Isles were just looking for Beauvillier to be a solid two-way player who can provide secondary scoring.

The first-half did not go according to plan but maybe the kid from Sorel-Tracy, can make it up in the second half?

This Season

The first-half of the season was to be kind to Beauvillier a struggle. He found time on the Isles third and fourth lines and struggled to find his game on a consistent level. There were some healthy scratches and finally Beauvillier was sent down to Bridgeport.

More from Editorials

• Islanders key to success: Load management with goalies
• Islanders Zdeno Chara trending in the right direction
• Islanders: Semyon Varlamov Deserves Benefit of the Doubt
• Islanders Ilya Sorokin becoming number one goalie
• Islanders Zach Parise Was Quiet in Return to Minnesota

Beauvillier’s stint in the AHL was a short one. The combination of plethora of injuries and the Sound Tigers coach Brent Thompson stating that Beauvillier was the best player on the ice for either team in his short stint, earned the youngster the emergency call-up.

Beauvillier did not disappoint. Due to the Andrew Ladd injury, Beauvillier found himself on the Mathew Barzal – Jordan Eberle line. Since being put on that line he looks like a prime-time player (4 goals & 5 points in last 5 games).

The key now is for Beauvillier to continue to play well.

Moving Forward

Beauvillier picked a good time to get rolling. The Islanders are currently a mash unit both up front and on defense. These injuries required even more re-enforcement’s from Bridgeport in Michael Dal Colle and Tanner Fritz.

With Ladd out for a little while, it’s created a tremendous opportunity for Beauvillier. So far the youngster has taken advantage of it and looks like a permanent fixture on the Isles second line. If this keeps up Ladd will find himself on the third-line when he returns.

Also, due to the lack of scoring from the bottom-six, the Isles need Beauvillier more than ever to produce in all phases.

Next: Remember Isles Rookies are still Rookie's

Everyone has to remember Beauvillier is only 20 years of age. One thing that is not in question and that is Beauvillier will be part of the Islanders core for years to come.