New York Islanders: Beauvillier – Barzal – Eberle Line Reunites

The New York Islanders second line was a huge success last season, at times it was better than the first line. Today, they reunited for Team Canada.

It’s no secret, the New York Islanders have a ton of their guys representing their county in the IIHF World Tournament. They have six players, in the tournament in general, including their entire second line.

The Beauvillier – Barzal – Eberle line reunited today at the tournament for Team Canada. I can’t decide whether this is sad or great.

We’ll start with the positive. Obviously, the fact that the entire second line is able to play for Team Canada is a success in itself. When you also factor in Team Canada valuing them so much to keep them together that’s an added bonus.

The line combined for 180 points. That means 25 percent of the Islanders scoring came from the Beauvillier – Barzal – Eberle line.

The reason they work so well together is the natural chemistry. Beauvillier and Barzal are obviously very close. They played together at a young age, and they seem inseparable during the season as well.

Barzal and Eberle clicked right when Eberle got bumped off the Tavares line. It makes sense why Canada wants to keep the guys together if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.

The sad part is the Islanders had two extremely productive lines and had nothing to show for it. Yes, it’s cool that their second line is playing on an international scale together, in a vacuum, but let’s go back to reality.

The Islanders missed the playoffs by 17 points. They weren’t even close to being in contention by the season’s end, despite the strong offensive talent they had in their top-six.

Next: Anthony Beauvillier's Still On Fire

This news from today was the epitome of the New York Islanders season. A brief moment of excitement before reality sets in and you realize how many flaws you have.