Former Islanders forward Kieffer Bellows getting a chance to play regularly with Flyers
Kieffer Bellows #20 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates during the first period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022 in New York City. Credit: Jim McIsaac
Kieffer Bellows never expected his second game at UBS Arena this season to come in a different jersey, but the former Islander is thankful for the opportunity to get regular playing time for the injury-plagued Flyers.
Bellows played in his fifth straight game and 11th overall for the Flyers on Saturday night at UBS Arena after being claimed off waivers from the Islanders on Oct. 27.
“Having that meeting with Lou [Lamoriello] telling me he was going to put me on waivers, it was surprising,” Bellows said. “I know Lou and he has to make the best decisions for his team. I respect that completely.”
Bellows, selected 19th overall in 2016, dressed for the Islanders’ season opener, then was a healthy scratch for six games before being placed on waivers. In all, he played 68 games with 11 goals and 14 assists for the Islanders.
He entered Saturday still looking for his first point as a Flyer.
Flyers coach John Tortorella described Bellows’ play as “vanilla” when he first joined the team but noted improvement of late. So has Bellows.
“Starting off, I was trying to learn the system and get used to everything,” he said. “I feel these last three games I’ve really found myself and been shooting the puck a lot more and making more plays. I know if I’m getting opportunities, sooner or later they’re going to go in.”
Tortorella said he knows Bellows has a good shot, “but he’s got to score, though.”
“I think he’s improved,” Tortorella said. “The past two or three games, I think he’s shown some offensive instincts. I don’t know who he is. I’ve been told who he is by people who’ve seen him play. He’s supposed to have some offense. I’m a little worried about his foot speed. You can see his instincts.”
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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