Kieffer Bellows makes most of rare Islanders chance with game-sealing assist

Kieffer Bellows knew early Thursday that he’d be getting an opportunity. 

The Islanders introduced following their morning skate that Josh Bailey could be out, day-to-day with an upper-body damage. That meant they’d want Bellows, the 23-year-old with an enormous shot who can’t appear to stay within the lineup. Bellows final appeared in a sequence of video games in January, previous to Kyle Palmieri’s return, earlier than being consigned to the press field once more. 

The Islanders’ 4-1 win over the Bruins was the twenty first time this 12 months Bellows has been within the lineup. And with the playoffs a distant hope, it would behoove the Islanders to see what they've in him. Definitely, he did nothing Thursday to dispel the notion. 

When the Islanders desperately wanted one thing within the third interval, with the Bruins threatening to attain a tying aim and buzzing across the offensive zone, Bellows discovered his manner up the ice. He ripped a shot, then one other. Linus Ullmark saved each, however the rebound on the second discovered its solution to Mathew Barzal, who scored to extend the Islanders’ result in 3-1, sealing the victory. 

Kieffer Bellows performed in simply his twenty first recreation of the season.

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“Getting again within the lineup, simply wished to maintain it easy,” Bellows stated. “I assumed the boys have been actual supportive of me and helped me on the market.” 

Stated Barzal: “Kieffer’s a great participant and an enormous physique. So anytime you may get him into these taking pictures areas, it’s gonna be a harmful probability. That’s what he did tonight on my aim.” 

Islanders coach Barry Trotz stated earlier than the sport that one of many largest components maintaining Bellows out of the lineup was that the workforce appreciated him higher on the left wing than the precise. Due to Bailey’s damage, they bought to place Bellows on the left, and it paid off. 

In 14:35 of ice time, Bellows produced 5 photographs on internet and 5 hits, along with the help on Barzal’s aim. Trotz stated afterwards that it was a “blueprint” for the younger winger. Earlier within the day, he’d given Bellows an endorsement — one which’s already gotten some early returns. 

“For me, he’s most likely able to transition over to just a little extra full-time foundation as a lot as doable,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz stated earlier than the sport. “I believe he’s able to it and in my thoughts, like everyone, just a bit consistency. 

“Possibly it’s Kieffer’s time.”