Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Islanders vs New York Rangers: Five Players to Watch

By Nick Ziegler

Apr 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy (2) controls the puck against New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Nick Leddy (2) controls the puck against New York Rangers left wing Rick Nash (61) during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
New York Islanders
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Anthony Beauvillier puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number twenty-eight overall pick to the New York Islanders in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Beauvillier

Another player that will be making his NHL debut like Vesey is Anthony Beauvillier. The Islanders selected Beauvillier in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft, and he is projected to make his debut in MSG.

Along with fellow rookie Mathew Barzal, Beauvillier will be one of the young players bringing excitement to New York for at least the first nine games of the season. While it was surprising to see Chimera on the first line in practice Wednesday, it was also shocking to see Beauvillier on the second line.

As of now, it appears that Beauvillier will be skating alongside Brock Nelson and Josh Bailey on the second line for the Islanders. This could be a very important grouping for the Islanders who will be attempting to replace production. Many have complained about Bailey in recent years, and he will indeed feel the pressure to lead a young line to start the season.

It is a bit surprising to see that Beauvillier might be making his debut before Barzal, but the Islanders are committed to keeping Ryan Strome at center for now. The first game is always special for a player, and it doesn’t get much better than playing in MSG.

Home/New York Islanders