Islanders vs Bruins Winners-Losers: Anthony Beauvillier OT Hero, again

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 14: Anthony Beauvillier #18 of the New York Islanders juggles the puck during warm-ups prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 14, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - MARCH 14: Anthony Beauvillier #18 of the New York Islanders juggles the puck during warm-ups prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 14, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

With a 4-3 overtime win, the New York Islanders re-take first place in the East Division with 48 points on the season. With the win, the Isles improve to 5-0-0 against the Bruins this year.

It wasn’t always perfect today but good teams find a way to dig themselves out of bad situations. Being 2-0 entering the second period against the rested Bruins was not ideal. But thanks to the third line of Beauvillier-Pageau-Wahlstrom, the Isles turned this around.

Rather than give you a full game recap (you either already saw the game or you can find that type of content anywhere), so here are three winners and three losers for the New York Islanders in this game.

New York Islanders pick up another win against the Boston Bruins

Winners

Jean-Gabriel Pageau | 1G, 2A, 2SOG, 61% FOW

What a dominant game from the trade deadline acquisition from last year. A timely goal, he was constantly winning draws, and even set up two goals on the night. This is exactly what Lou Lamoriello wanted when he traded for Jean-Gabriel Pageau and then re-signed him.

Anthony Beauvillier | 1G (OT GWG), 1A, 2 Hits

He’s found a good home on Pageau’s line. Since making the move, Anthony Beauvillier now has three goals in back-to-back-to-back games. Not to mention scoring back-to-back OT winner for the Isles.

He’s a streaky winger. He has been ever since he made the NHL. But when Beau is at his peak he can be a 60 point player. By moving “down” next to Pageau, Trotz seems to have tapped into that 60 point guy.

Oliver Wahlstrom | 1G, 3SOG, 1 Hit, 1 Takeaway

This kid can’t stop scoring. Over his last five games, Oliver Wahlstrom has six points to his name (4 goals and two helpers). This one was as timely as you could ask. With barely three minutes left in regulation, Wahlstrom gave the Isles their first lead of the game. Unfortunately, they couldn’t hold that lead in regulation.

Since February 22, Wahlstrom has 13 points in 16 games. That’s a 67 point pace. He’s only 20.

Losers

Casey Cizikas | 2 PIM

Casey Cizikas didn’t have a particularly strong game tonight. He took a tripping penalty that resulted in a PPG against, and he lost his man down-low that resulted in a game-tieing goal to force overtime.

Scott Mayfield | 4 PIM

Scott Mayfield has been taking far too many penalties far too frequently of late. It’s also not helping that he’s frequently on the wrong end of the decision-making process which usually results in a goal-against or good opportunity against.

Mayfield had the lowest xGF% on the team for a defenseman.

Game Management

No, not that game management. I mean the Islanders ability to manage out the clock. The Isles couldn’t hold the lead provided to them by Oliver Wahlstrom for more than 54 seconds.

Schedule