Islanders 5 takeaways preseason Game 2: Anthony Beauvillier dominates

Yet another game preseason is in the books for the New York Islanders. The lineup was different but the end result was the same. A nice W in the books. Not that it matters at all, but it’s always nice to see a win.

With the lineup different, there are a few new faces to look at as the Islanders try to not only cement their lineup but see what they got in the cupboard.

In my five takeaways today I tried to focus on all the new players, but it was impossible to ignore some familiar faces from Game 1 of the pre-season.

Five takeaways from New York Islanders second game of pre-season

Cory Schneider looks solid

He played two games through the entire 2020-21 season, so Cory Schneider could have fallen back on the “I’m still a bit rusty” card if his game wasn’t all there today. Thankfully, he didn’t need to use that card. The 35-year-old vet, who will likely be the team’s third goalie, was sharp as a tack today.

Sure, he ended the day with a 0.909SV% but he only faced eleven shots on the day. Four of those came on the power play where he was particularly effective.

Again, Schnieder won’t be regular at the NHL or even AHL level, but he’ll be around the team as a third goalie if they need him. If today’s game is an indication of what he could bring, the Isles will be ok between the pipes.

Finnish rookies still impressing

In the first game of the pre-season, both Robin Salo and Aatu Räty turned heads. The two Finnish prospects wowed fans with their game. Even coach Trotz had excellent things to say about both players after Game 1.

(Start the video at the 2:51 mark.)

For the second game in a row, the two prospects impressed yet again.

Neither was perfect on the day. Salo was called for yet another penalty while Räty made a fancy play in the O-zone that totally backfired and ended up in the Isles net. But for Salo, he showed yet again that he’s confident and comfortable on the big stage while Räty continued to defy his 52nd overall draft status.

Noah Dobson show

With Nick Leddy gone, Noah Dobson needs to take a big step forward for the Islanders in 21-22. The training wheels have to come off and Dobson has to perform.

Today, Dobson played a BIG role for the Islanders. Not only did he play big minutes – 22:08 (the most for defensemen) – but he was a;so a factor in all three of the Islanders goals.

He provided the primary assist on Adam Pelech’s goal and then added a goal for himself with a nice blast from the point on the power play. His third point was a primary assist on Anthony Beauvillier’s OT winner.

Dobson is seemingly ready to take that step.

Anatolii Golyshev?

I felt like the Russian winger started the game on fire. He was skating hard and winning puck battles, but as the game progressed his effectiveness waned and you barely saw him out there. It’s only one game, so just like just about everyone else on the roster today, take this with a grain of salt. But if this continues there’s no way Golyshev takes that 13th spot on the roster.

Still having fun

It’s the only thing Anthony Beauvillier knows how to do; have fun. And boy did he have himself a day today. Three points (goal, primary assist, and secondary assist), two shots, a hit, a block, and three takeaways (no giveaways). Beau was everywhere.

It’s just a pre-season game, but Beauvillier was dominant tonight. The proof is in the pudding. Beau finished with a game-high 2.51 game score. He was easily the best player on the ice.