Going into the 2020 Stanley Cup Qualifiers, the Islanders needed someone to come up big for them in their series against the Florida Panthers. We all know the incredible offensive ability of Mathew Barzal, Brock Nelson, and Jordan Eberle but the Islanders needed more from some other players. Anthony Beauvillier is the player who stepped up big and produced for the Isles.

Beauvillier had 18 goals and 21 assists in the regular season for 39 points, which is his new career-high. He had always been a hardworking player, who skates fast and shows a lot of effort in his play. This year he finally broke out, in his fourth season in the NHL as a 23-year-old. Anthony was looking to explode this year after getting his first taste of playoff action last season. He had a goal and an assist in 8 games during last years playoffs.

5 points in the opening round for Beauvillier was just the start to this incredible run thus far. With 3 goals in the series, including 2 in the clinching game, he propelled the Isles to victory. His line with Josh Bailey, which is centered by Brock Nelson, has been the Islanders best line in these playoffs.

The next opponent was the Washington Capitals. After being extremely hot in the qualifier, Anthony looked to add to his success. He had a goal in the opening game of the series, which was crucial for the Islanders in a comeback win. In Game 5, with the Isles leading the series over Washington 3-1, Beauvillier had the first 2 goals of the game, including the game-winner on the power-play. The Islanders won the game 4-0 and were on to the second round with the high-flying Anthony Beauvillier leading the way. He had 4 points in the series.

Anthony’s play cooled off a bit during the second round, but not by much. He was still very noticeable when watching the Islanders play by being hard and aggressive on the fore-check as well as creating tons of scoring chances. He scored a goal off of an odd-man rush in Game Two which led the Isles to comeback against the Flyers, before inevitably losing in overtime. His best goal scored so far these playoffs was the easiest. An empty netter to seal the deal in Game Seven against the Philadelphia Flyers. A goal that gave the Islanders insurance in the form of a 4-0 lead and sending them to their first Conference Final in 27 years.

Anthony Beauvillier was not born yet the last time the New York Islanders were this deep into the playoffs. With his team-leading 8 goals and 12 points total, he has been a major catalyst to the Islanders playoff success. The 23-year old will look to keep up the success ahead of a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Anthony Beauvillier is a huge piece of the Islanders core and is proving it big time in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

John Smark