At least the Bridgeport Islanders have made the playoffs
Islanders left wing Kieffer Bellows skates by after Winnipeg Jets left wing Kyle Connor scored in the first period of an NHL hockey game at UBS Arena on Friday, March 11, 2022. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
BUFFALO — The Islanders will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2018 but their Bridgeport affiliate qualified for the AHL postseason for the first time since 2019 with a 4-2 win over visiting Springfield on Friday night.
Coach Barry Trotz said before Saturday’s 5-3 loss to the Sabres at KeyBank Center he could not answer whether any of the younger players on the Islanders’ roster — Kieffer Bellows or Oliver Wahlstrom — would join Bridgeport after the NHL season concludes.
But he said whoever plays will be getting invaluable experience.
“It’s important,” Trotz said. “I’m a big believer in, if you can win in the minors, those players are the guys that are coming up, they’re used to playing in the playoffs, they’re winners. They get that experience at a different level but still the experience of intense playoff hockey. You can’t take a break in playoff hockey.”
What a pass!
Noah Dobson had a goal and an assist as he continues to emerge as a star defenseman in his third season.
That was most noticeable as he faked a shot from the right point, froze the Sabres defenders, and found Mathew Barzal open in the left circle with a pinpoint pass as the Islanders tied it at 1 at 17:09 of the first period.
“It’s going to be fun to see him grow,” Barzal said. “I think he’s going to be one of the elite D-men in the league pretty soon.”
Isles files
Anthony Beauvillier (upper body) missed his second game and also will not be available Sunday against the Hurricanes at UBS Arena. Neither will Jean-Gabriel Pageau, associate coach Lane Lambert or assistant coach Jim Hiller, all who remain in COVID-19 protocol…A moment of silence was held for Hall of Famers Mike Bossy and Guy Lafleur…Casey Cizikas won 12-of-16 faceoffs and Brock Nelson won 11-of-17.
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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