Islanders Prospect Kieffer Bellows Has 12 Goals In Last 13 Games

Kieffer Bellows has been on an absolute tear recently, with a hat trick last night the Islanders prospect has 12 goals in his last 13 games.

Just a few weeks ago, I wrote how it’s time to start getting concerned about Kieffer Bellows. While I admitted my concern, I avoided the use of the “b word” stating it is far too early to call the New York Islanders first-round pick from 2016 a bust.

Since then, he has gone on an absolute heater. The goals began pouring in and last night was his first career hat trick at the professional level.

In Bellows’ last 13 games he has 12 goals bringing him up to 16 points on the season after a pitiful start. The 16 points in 32 games look a little more respectable than the three points in 19 games he was sitting at before this run.

What I’ve enjoyed from Bellows is that he’s putting himself in good positions to score goals. Yes, he has a good shot but as you will tell most of his goals are coming with him down low in the crease, like this one from last night.

Josh Ho-Sang just throws a puck through the crease, a smart play in order to generate chances, and Bellows is there to get a stick on it. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being in the right place at the right time.

With the Islanders’ offensive struggles it might be time to get Bellows up here. As it stands right now, the Isles have Matt Martin, Ross Johnston, Tom Kuhnhackl, and Michael Dal Colle in the lineup at the same time.

That’s four out of your 12 forwards who give you zero offensively. Combined they have seven goals on the year between them. They are fine as role players, but the Isles have too many role players. Swap Bellows out for Michael Dal Colle and instantly you should have more scoring chances.

Lee – Barzal – Eberle

Beauvillier – Nelson – Bailey

Bellows – Brassard – Kuhnhackl

Martin – Cizikas – Johnston.

That’s starting to look a little bit better. Obviously, that doesn’t 100 percent solve the Isles offensive issues but it’s a start for sure. If you add another scorer via trade and maybe bump Kuhnhackl down to the fourth line and scratch Johnston now you’re really looking at something here.

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The moral of the story is that with the Isles desperate need for offense, they have part of the solution right here in the system. The obvious choice is to get Bellows up here and see what he has.