New York Islanders Beat Blue Jackets 4-2, Back In Playoff Spot ELMONT, NY -- While Barry Trotz is gaining all the headlines to make his return to UBS Arena as the general manager of the Nashville Predators, another former New York Islander [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/game-day/new-york-islanders-stan-fischler-2024-stanley-cup-playoffs-capitals-penguins-flyers-red-wings] is set to return for the second time. Anthony Beauvillier [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/anthony-beauvillier-mat-barzal-new-york-islanders-vancouver-canucks], a fan-favorite winger who spent time on the island from 2015-2023, is returning to UBS Arena for the second time since he was traded away to the Vancouver Canucks last January. Beauvillier is most famously known for scoring the last-ever goal at Nassau Coliseum with the overtime winner in Game Six of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semi-final. Beauvillier scored 102 goals and 107 assists for 209 points in 457 regular-season games with the Islanders. He also scored 15 goals and 14 assists in 49 playoff games, all with New York. Ahead of the Islander' matchup with Beauvillier's third team of the season after being traded twice, he spoke with the media about being back on the island yet again. Going to Nashville was a smooth transition for Beauvillier since he was familiar with Trotz. "He was super welcoming and made it easy for me to transition when everything happened," Beauvillier said. "So it's good to play for him again." After living on Long Island for a few years, Beauviller finds driving around Long Island rather odd. "Driving around is just weird still, but it's good to be back just to see familiar faces, see you guys, and see the guys on the other side, too," Beauvillier said. It's always fun to come back." "You drive around, you know every street, and you know where everything's at, and to not live here anymore, I think that's what makes it weird." Beauvillier was asked about his iconic goal at Nassau Coliseum and what about the atmosphere he remembers. "The Coliseum was something special. If you look at the playoffs and the atmosphere in there, and even the big games we played there was unbelievable," Beauvillier said. "You can't really match that anywhere else." He was told about what might happen to The Coliseum site and was sorry to hear it may shut down. Beauvillier reflected on being a part of the iconic building's final chapter. "It's sad to hear and I'm glad I got to be a part of the last goal there." The memories of the Islanders' deep playoff run will always be a special part of Beauvillier's career and life. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NTU0OTczODgxMTQ4NDkw/usatsi_19482569.jpg] "I wish it was still yesterday. It's still special. When you go on runs, that's all you remember, right?" The losses to Tampa Bay in back-to-back seasons in 2020 and 2021 will always hurt in the eyes of Beauvillier. "You remember the positive, and you remember the playoff series you've won and the hard loss, and that's one that's gonna stay forever, and you're gonna remember forever." When asked if he had seen Mathew Barzal yet, his best friend, Beauvillier answered that he had gone to see another former Islander who still lives in the area. "I didn't. I actually went to see Bails and his family last night," Beauvillier said. "I didn't catch up with him (Barzal), but we'll chat tonight." Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1NTU1MTc1NzQ0NjEyMjUy/usatsi_14732952-1.jpg] Barzal has been on another level this season, and Beauvillier was asked about his former teammate and friend's success. "I just feel like he's taken another step," Beauvillier said. "He's creating plays, and from what I've seen, he's just hard on pucks, making plays and just looks more driven a little bit and wants to make a difference. You can see it in his game and the way he acts, as well. I'm happy for him. He's always fun to watch. I always take time to watch his games when I have the chance, but yeah, he looks great out there. "Hopefully, he's got a night off tonight." The two former teammates keep in touch, as Mathew Barzal shared at a recent Islanders season ticket member event. Puck drop at UBS Arena between the Predators and Islanders is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
