Pierre Engvall With A Reminder Game
No. 18 can be effective for the Islanders when he plays the way he played on Friday.
ELMONT, NY — Pierre Engvall was one of the best players on the ice for the New York Islanders on Friday night in their 2-1 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers.
It was a game that reminded us just how effective the 28-year-old can be when he plays to his strengths.
Playing 15:34, Engvall recorded four shots on goal and four hits serving as the third-line left winger. He flew up and down the ice, winning battles in all three zones and was effective seemingly every shift.
He hadn’t had four shots or more in game since Nov. 14, when he recorded six in a 5-2 win against the Vancouver Canucks.
His strong play earned him two shifts in overtime, where he looked dangerous.
Engvall had a chance to score and also set up Casey Cizikas with a seam pass, but No. 53 rang the puck off the cross-bar.
“It means a lot,” Engvall said about getting a chance in overtime. “It shows that they believe in me and want to have me out there. So yeah, it means a lot.”
Full interview HERE
It’s no secret that Roy hasn’t loved Engvall’s game this season. He’s begged the Swedish forward to give him more and be involved. At times, Engvall has found himself watching from above because of his inability to do what has been asked and find consistency.
But, Engvall forced Roy’s hand on Friday night.
“He had energy tonight. He was skating. He was playing well,” Roy said. “I'm here to win, don't get me wrong here and he deserved to play. That's what I'm asking of him, force me to play him.”
One strong game doesn’t change how the Islanders view Engvall and what decisions may lie ahead this summer.
Engvall is in the second year of a seven-year deal worth $3 million annually.
Given his struggles to be effective for Roy, it won’t be a shock if the Islanders buy out the remaining five years of his deal or bury him in the minors for the next half decade.
But, the ball is and has always been in Engvall’s court.
There are 17 games left in the season for Engvall, with more minutes available given Brock Nelson’s departure, to show that he can be a Roy type of player.
If something finally clicked for Engvall, there’s no reason why he can’t be an effective bottom-six player for this squad.
It’s clear that Roy got to him over the last few days for that kind of performance to come to the forefront.
It’s Engvall’s time to salvage the season.
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We need a new GM and an actual course! Personally I would let Patrick take the GM job, and let him hire a bench boss. Patrick knows young talent and worked the QMJHL for a long time. I don’t know how the new GM gets out from under the Engvall Mayfield DuClair contracts. I guess the simplest way is to somehow tailor a Summer Plan where they have a successful season next year. Mayfield can always be your seventh. DuClair and Engvall have done absolutely nothing.
Chances of Engvall turning into a good player is almost nil. He will simply revert to skating around trying to protect his face. Waste of talent no desire! Check that he has desire to play just well enough to stay out of Bridgeport, everything is measured with this guy! If he ends the season well he figures he tease Islanders into another season with the big club.