Islanders: Anthony Beauvillier Best In NHL On Backhand

New York Islanders forward, Anthony Beauvillier is the best in the NHL on the backhand and in front of some pretty big names.

This year has been a positive step in the right direction for Islanders forward Anthony Beauvillier. During his first three years in the league, Beau was extremely inconsistent and streaky when it came to his production.

This year was definitely different. He finished the regular season with 39 points (18 goals, 21 assists).

That production also made its way to the playoffs as he’s arguably been the Isles best forward. Through eight games he has seven points and four goals generating a ton of scoring for the Isles in both the Florida and Capitals series.

Something I didn’t know, was just how effective Anthony Beauvillier has been on the backhand. According to The Athletic, there’s nobody better on the backhand.

Beauvillier attempted 30 unblocked shots and scored eight goals on the backhand. The only other skater with the eight backhand goals is Blake Coleman of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

His expected goals from those shots was 2.8 which means his goals above expected were 5.2, by far the highest of everyone on the list.

One of the main topics that the article dissects is the quick release on the backhand. The best example of this is his goal against the Dallas Stars from

Some other names on this list of note, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Jamie Benn, Chris Kreider, and Jordan Eberle as well. Eberle had six goals on the backhand and had 2.7 goals above expected according to their study.

J.G. Pageau actually made the best finishers on wrist/snap shots. He finished with 24 goals and had a 10.1 goals above expected. His 2019-2020 season was one for the ages and he’s been steady for the Isles in the playoffs.

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Beauvillier leading the way on the backhand was definitely a surprise. Perhaps the Isles have another blossoming star on their hands in Beau.