Islanders: Anthony Beauvillier Returns To Lineup

In the Islanders’ fifth game of the season, Anthony Beauvillier got tangled up with a Devils player and fell to the ice. He would end up heading to IR and missing the next nine games for the Isles with a lower-body injury.

According to Barry Trotz, Anthony Beauvillier will make his return to the lineup tonight against the Buffalo Sabres.

It was a slow start to the season for Beauvillier who had just one assist in the opening night win over the Rangers before being held off the score sheet in the next four games. Initially, the Islanders felt the loss of Beau as the offense went in the tank.

Lately, they’ve been much more productive with three goals or more in six of their last eight games. The added plug of Beauvillier back into the top-six is a great add for the Islanders.

The expected Islanders lineup

I’d have to assume Michael Dal Colle is the odd man out here and will come out for Anthony Beauvillier. Expect the lineup to look something like this:

Lee – Barzal – Bailey

Beauvillier – Nelson – Eberle

Komarov – Pageau – Wahlstrom

Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck

With Oliver Wahlstrom’s play in the last few games, it would be a difficult pill to swallow taking him out of the lineup. My personal preference would be to keep MDC in and bump him to the third line but with the third line’s production the past few games, I doubt Barry Trotz changes it.

Beauvillier needs to get going for the Isles once he makes his return tonight. Last year, and in the playoffs, he was a major key for this offense. He looked poised for a breakout year but after a slow start and his injury, that’s been put on hold for now.

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Perhaps a healthy Beau with a hot Jordan Eberle is exactly what the doctor ordered. For Beau’s sake, I’m hoping for a hot start.