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New York Islanders: Anthony Beauvillier’s Ice Time Hints At Send Down

By Matt O'Leary

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26: Anthony Beauvillier #18 of the New York Islanders skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on September 26, 2018 in New York City. The Islanders defeated the Rangers 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26: Anthony Beauvillier #18 of the New York Islanders skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on September 26, 2018 in New York City. The Islanders defeated the Rangers 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The New York Islanders cut Anthony Beauvillier’s ice time down tremendously for the second game in a row. It hints at an AHL trip.

It’s been a tough start to the season for Anthony Beauvillier. The third-year New York Islanders forward has just one point and he’s a -8 on the season through 14 games. It’s almost the exact opposite of how his season ended last year.

In 2017-2018, Beau ended his season strong. Due to a hot streak after being sent down to the AHL he finished with a 36 point and 21 goal season.

Now, for the second year in a row, it looks like a trip to the AHL will be in the works. When you aren’t producing and continually are a nonfactor at age 21 years old a trip to the AHL or a night or two on the scratch pad can serve as a wakeup call.

One of the biggest indicators that a demotion is coming is the ice time. His ice time has dropped significantly the last two games on the Florida road trip.

Beau, who has spent most of the year on the top line with Barzal, averages 13:59 of ice time per game. Against Tampa on Thursday, he only had 12:16 of ice time which was the second lowest on the team. He was a -2 on the night as well.

Barry Trotz followed that up by cutting his ice time even more. Last night, the 21-year old played only 8:39 and had just six shifts after the first period.

All signs are pointing to Beauvillier heading up to Bridgeport Connecticut. They can’t afford to continue to run Beau out there like this. For his case, hopefully, some time in the A will get him on track.

Right now, either Josh Ho-Sang or Michael Dal Colle are playing well at the AHL level and are deserving of a chance at the NHL level. Ho-Sang has 15 points (1 goal, 14 assists) and Michael Dal Colle has 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in 13 games.

Next. Should/Shouldn't the Islanders trade for Nylander

Either of those two would be fine to call up to replace Beau. If they continue to succeed it might be difficult to keep Beau in the AHL but the Isles may have no other choice. One thing is for sure when you have guys thriving in the AHL and you’re struggling on a waivers exempt contract you can bet your butt you’re heading to the A.

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