Bellows’ impact felt in defeat

Kieffer Bellows, largely, has been unnoticeable this season. The 23year old’s presence in the Islanders’ lineup is less than steady, and when he does play, Bellows is meant to do a lot of the little things.

On Sunday, though, he was at the center of the action in the Islanders’ 4-3 shootout loss to the Golden Knights.

Late in the second period, Bellows dropped gloves with Max Pacioretty, sticking up for Andy Greene after Pacioretty leveled him. Then late in the third period, it was Bellows who tied the game up at two, scoring from the low slot after Zach Parise recovered a puck at the Vegas blue line.

It was Bellows’ second goal of the season, and his seventh in his NHL career. Certainly, over the 34 games he’s played in three years with the Islanders, Sunday ranks among his most impactful.

ISLES NOTES

“I was just trying to go out there and do anything I can to help this team win,” Bellows said. “Like I’ve said before, if that means trying to score or trying to fight, I’ll do what it takes.”

Islanders coach Barry Trotz said that Bellows deserved more than the 7:40 time on ice he got, an issue he added was “probably on me.” Indeed, Bellows is making a case for more playing time.

In Robin Lehner’s first game back on Long Island since the 2018-19 season, the Islanders honored him with a video tribute. An emotional Lehner watched, pointing to the tattoo of Long Island on his neck.

“It’s so much more than hockey to me,” he told reporters after the game. “I can’t explain it. It’s the love I have for the guys here, this team, organization, the fans. What they helped me do with my life.”

When Lehner came to the Islanders, it was after hitting a low in his personal life with depression and addiction. He spoke openly about his struggles with mental health, winning the Masterton Trophy for perseverance.

“The first exhibition game that I played here right after I released my story, I got a standing ovation,” Lehner said. “I’ve never had that before on any team. They’ve shown me love since Day 1. People think I’m making a big deal out of it, yeah I am. It’s my life. I can’t express it.”

Lehner made 31 saves in the game and was perfect in the shootout.