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So far, so good for Kieffer Bellows |
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Kieffer Bellows was called up to add some offense for the New York Islanders and in his first two NHL games, he's done just that. Bellows has two goals and three points and has helped to provide a spark to what was an invisible third line.
His first NHL goal came on great play by Anthony Beauvillier to take a pass from Derick Brassard and find Bellows (jeez, that’s a lot of B’s). That being said, Bellows was able to get himself open in a good spot to receive a pass.
On his second goal, there’s certainly a bit of luck there but Bellows deserves a ton of credit for that shot. To score from the angle, on his forehand too, is excellent. There’s just barely any net to shoot at from there and having to get the release off quickly, it’s pretty impressive.
It’s not just goals though, as Bellows has been getting chances and doing the little things as well. He got an excellent shot off in the first period against Dallas that forced Bishop to make a great save. It’s plays like that where Bellows finds space in the slot and uses his quick release that has accounted for many of his goals in Bridgeport. Then in the second period, he was instrumental in creating the second goal, as he carried the puck into the zone and got the puck to Michael Dal Colle under pressure and after Dal Colle bobbled it, Bellows battled to keep the puck in, resulting in Derick Brassard’s goal.
He had four shots in the game against Los Angeles, tied for second behind just Anders Lee and is a plus-four in his first two games. Most importantly, the third line was actually generating offense. He and Brassard seem to have already established some chemistry and Dal Colle was more involved as a result as well.
It remains to be seen as to whether Bellows will stick with the Islanders or end up back in Bridgeport before season’s end but so far, he's accomplishing what the Islanders hoped for from him.
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Islanders call up Kieffer Bellows