Islanders Send Otto Koivula Down, Immediately Scores 2 Goals

The New York Islanders briefly called up Otto Koivula, scratching him twice, before sending him back down to the AHL. He scored twice last night.

With numerous injuries, the New York Islanders were forced to reach into the AHL pot. One of those names was Otto Koivula, but his stay with the Islanders was very short-lived. He was sent back without hitting the ice.

In his first game back with the Sound Tigers, he made his presence felt immediately. Not even three minutes into the game, he scored to give Bridgeport an early 1-0 lead over Lehigh Valley.

In the third period, with the game tied up at three, Otto Koivula deflected a puck past Lehigh Valley’s goalie to give the Sound Tigers a 4-3 lead, one that they would hold through the final whistle.

A two-goal night from Otto in his return, that’s great to see. Now, in seven games in the AHL, he has four points (2 goals, 2 assists). If you remember from last year, he started slow but ended up finishing with 46 points (21 goals, 25 assists) in 69 games in his first year in North America.

The 21-year-old Finnish forward has adjusted well to the North American game and has a real shot to get to the next level.

Koivula projects as a third-line center, which the Isles could desperately use after this season if they decide to move on from Derrick Brassard. Brassard, who has been good on the wing, has struggled as the 3C.

Don’t be surprised if Otto Koivula gets a real chance in 2020 with the New York Islanders.

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News: Koivula sent back down to the AHL

On Wednesday, the New York Islanders called up Otto Koivula up to the NHL. On Sunday they sent him back down to the AHL.