Ebene Magazine – Islanders Kieffer Bellows named to opening night lineup

The big question swirling around the New York Islanders leading up to the puck drop in their opener against the New York Rangers was who would play with Jean-Gabriel Pageau in the third row.

Earlier today, head coach Barry Trotz indicated it could be one of three forwards who are currently part of the taxi squad that could be placed in the roster. These three forwards: Kieffer Bellows, Otto Koivula and Austin Czarnik.

Everyone thought Trotz was talking about Kieffer Bellows. And it looks like we were right with Bellows named to the opening night lineup.

According to Newsday’s Andrew Gross during the game, the Islanders vs. Rangers roster for opening night is:

I don’t like Johnston and Martin playing in the same game, especially against Rangers. The last time that happened, the Isles were in control of the game until Johnston and Martin found themselves in the punches and the game moved away from the Isles (who lost 6-2).

But, Bellows is in the game. The 2016 Isles first-round pick had a good 2019-20 season in the AHL and earned his call to the Islands at the end of the 19-20 season. Sure, he had to serve some sort of penalty for a PED violation, but that should be behind him by now.

I expect Bellows to get about 10 to 15 minutes of ice time, including some power play time with the team’s second unit. If he can get on the scoresheet, he might just keep that spot longer than expected.

I expect Oliver Wahlstrom to be in the lineup for the Islanders’ second game of the season and Bellows to be the one to make the cab squad.

The taxi team has at least four players, so with Bellows stepping out for tonight’s game, Oliver Wahlstrom has been transferred to the taxi team. Both are exempt from exemption, meaning that both can easily get in and out of the taxi team.

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