New York Islanders: Anthony Beauvillier’s Success Comes From Chemistry

Last year the New York Islanders found themselves with one of the best second lines in the game. Here’s why Anothny Beauvillier became so successful on that unit.

Chemistry. No, not the high school class you slept through. We’re talking about the complex emotional or psychological interaction between two people, that kind of chemistry. That’s what made Anthony Beauvillier so successful with the New York Islanders last year.

After a short stint in the AHL, Beau came back strong for the Islanders. He finished the year with 21 goals and 36 points in 71 games. He became a spark and ultimately replaced Andrew Ladd on the second line.

It was his play alongside Mathew Barzal that made Anthony so successful last year. The two played together in the past, and there was obvious chemistry between them. The NHL Network broke it down in this video.

Both Beauvillier and Mathew Barzal seemed to know where the other one would be going before it happened. Barzal used his crisp passing ability to feed Beau the puck and before you knew it he was finding the back of the net with his underrated shot.

Beau isn’t flashy per say, he isn’t big, but he gets the job done, especially playing with Barzal. That’s when he was most effective last year, oddly enough it wasn’t in a bottom six role that many assumed it would be.

If he plays with Barzal again this year, don’t be surprised if Anthony Beauvillier has a breakout season. He should finish with upwards of 25 goals and he should eclipse the 50 point mark for the first time in his career as well.

Obviously, with Lee’s net-front presence and insane scoring ability, it’s easy to make the assumption that he’ll be on the top-line still. I won’t be so quick to break up Beau and Barzal though.

Their relationship is more than just a bromance. Instead, it’s two young, smart hockey players that have exceptional knowledge on how the other plays the game.