Islanders Forward Anthony Beauvillier Could Produce More Offense

After missing nine games due to a lower-body injury back in February, Anthony Beauvillier is attempting to find his tempo. Recently, the New York Islanders forward recorded six points in his last five games but is he capable of more?

In the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs Beauvillier filled a massive role for the Islanders on offense. He was one of the main sources of production from the qualifying round to the Eastern Conference Final. The second line was responsible for a majority of the Islanders successful power-play and frequent goal scoring.

Coming into the shortened 2020-21 NHL season fans were hoping that Beauvillier could carry that momentum over. His current line is steady in production but is it time for Barry Trotz to rethink that arrangement?

Brock Nelson and Josh Bailey may not be the best combination for Beauvillier this season. With the new talent on the roster, Trotz should definitely utilize it. Moving Beau down to the third line with Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Oliver Wahlstrom could spark more offense.

While Beauvillier has spent some time playing with line three this season, he’s been used on line two of late. On Saturday against the Flyers, Beauvillier spent 10:06* playing with Nelson and Bailey while he played 1:58* with Pageau and Wahlstrom.

(*Time of ice at 5on5 and from NaturalStatTrick.)

By placing Beauvillier on the third line, Coach Trotz could move either Kieffer Bellows or Michael Dal Colle to the second line for a change. The second line is in need of a jump start and one of the younger players is more than capable of it.

Pageau could be a great linemate in regards to getting the puck to Beauvillier. He is a mentor to Wahlstrom and is a vital aspect of the development of his game. Wahlstrom is becoming a goal scorer and Beauvillier could be the playmaker of that line.

Wahlstrom is quickly rising as a young star on the team. His shot is a sniper and he has a high understanding of the game with room to grow. Adding Beauvillier on the line could be the extra push he needs to become a complete all-around player.

With that simple line alteration, Anthony Beauvillier’s production could increase along with the Islanders offensive production overall.