Playoff hockey is nothing new for former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Pierre Engvall. But he finds himself in a different situation, playing meaningful hockey in crunch time with the New York Islanders.
Playoff hockey is nothing new for New York Islanders forward Pierre Engvall, having qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of his first three NHL seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Leafs finished third in the Atlantic Division in his rookie season (2019-20), first in the make-shift North Division (2021) during his sophomore campaign before finishing second in the Atlantic last season, year three.
When the regular season wound down in Toronto, playoff hockey was not a wish but a reality.
However, Engvall finds himself in a different situation on Long Island.
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Since returning from the All-Star break, the Islanders have been in a grueling fight for one of the two wild-card spots, with the standings changing daily.
Due to strong-enough play since then, with Engvall arriving on Long Island on March 1, the Islanders find themselves in one of the final two wild-card spots with just three games to go.
The Islanders host the Philadelphia Flyers Saturday night.
The Hockey News caught up with Engvall following Saturday's morning skate to discuss the situation the 26-year-old finds himself in with New York.
"I mean, it's a lot of fun," Engvall told THN. "I think playing games when it really matters is more fun than not, so I mean, it's gonna be a fun three games coming here."
Just because it's a new situation doesn't mean Engvall can't fall back on his experience with Toronto.
"Yeah, I mean, I played some playoff games like that before," Engvall said. "Obviously, not like this, but it will be a lot of fun. I think we've been putting in a lot of work lately. So I think we are ready for it."
Since coming over, Engvall has played a major part in New York's success, with five goals and four assists in 15 games, playing on the team's most dominant line along with Brock Nelson and Kyle Palmieri.
The Islanders have played to a 9-5-1 record since Engvall's arrival, and he's enjoyed his first month and a half with his new squad.
"They've been taking really good care of me since I came here, like everyone on the team," Engvall said.
Just how good has his line been since coming together on the California road trip?
"Yeah, I think we work good together," Engvall said. "I think everyone has some different skills, but I think we're a good mix together."
THN did ask Engvall what it's like to be a twin, as he and Nelson, with equipment on, look identical.
Prior to this interview, Lee told THN that he thought they looked ultra similar and that it was a topic of discussion in the room when he first arrived.
"My sister's husband, who's here now, told me the same thing after the game was like, 'You and Brock looked exactly the same,'" Engvall said. "I don't know if I see it, but maybe."
Engvall is set to become an unrestricted free agent come season's end, whenever that may be for New York.
Although everyone would like to know whether he would re-sign, he's not yet focused on that.
"We have a great team here, and I've been really enjoying myself," Engvall said. "Honestly, I don't think about it. I just try to do my best every day, and I think contracts and things like that will take care of themselves.
"But, I mean, I like it so far."
When teammate Bo Horvat signed an eight-year extension with New York upon his arrival on Jan. 30, he spoke glowingly about the area and what he had heard.
Although Engvall hasn't had much downtime to explore Long Island, he's checked out a few spots.
"I've been in New York City two times, I think," Engvall said. "I went down to the water a couple of times, too. It's beautiful down there, but I think I have a lot to see still."
He broke the news that he had not tried New York pizza or bagels but was given recommendations.
Anyway...back to the hockey.
If they want to get into the postseason, the Islanders need their top players to produce over these final three games.
Although Engvall may not have been a top player with Toronto, there's no question that Lambert is relying heavily on him.
"I think he's playing real well," Lambert said. "Since he's gotten here, he's had some offensive impact. He's really helped on the Nelson line.
And I just think he continues to make an impact in every game that he plays, and he needs to continue to do so."