Anthony Beauvillier taking that step up for Islanders

We're used to the ups and downs of Anthony Beauvillier's game. That's been the hallmark of his career with the New York Islanders. Beau has been...consistently inconsistent since making the squad in 2016-17.

Through the first half of the year, it looked like the New York Islanders was getting the "down" version of Beauvillier. The one that wasn't going to live up to his top-six label. From poor production and being a healthy scratch, Beauvillier was not the player we wanted him to be.

New York Islanders: Anthony Beauvillier taking that step up

At least at the start of the year. With nine points in 25 games, Beau was on pace for a 30 point season. Well below what we'd expect from Beauvllier. Specifically, after the run he had in the playoffs, with 13 points in 19 games.

Now a playoff run is not going to happen this time around for the Islanders, so the focus is on what happens going forward. Can we see some of the players who are underperforming, like Beau, who will be here after the season is over, get back to their best?

In Beauvillier's last 27 games he's put up 17 points. Almost double the production he put up in the first half of the year. Remember it was nine points in 25 games before these more recent 27 games.

In the Islanders 6-0 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday, Beauvillier picked up three helpers, two shots on goal, in just over 14 and a half minutes of game time. That's what you call effective.

That's the Beauvillier we've come to believe can be out there on the ice game-in and game-out. A near 50 point player who forechecks hard, finds gaps, and creates opportunities.

Hopefully, this is the Beauvillier we see through the remainder of the season. The Islanders need this Beauvillier going forward. They need this Beauvillier (and others) in order to be successful.