IBO Boxing Honesty and Integrity
After kicking off the 2021 season to a rough start, Islanders’ forward Brock Nelson is starting to get back into his groove.
Nelson is currently cruising on a three-game point streak after he scored his second consecutive even-strength goal in the Isles’ 5-2 dominating win over the Buffalo Sabres on Sunday. So far this season, the Warroad, MN native has tallied nine goals with five on the power play and two at even strength. Furthermore, Nelson is one of five forwards on the team to have nine or more goals, the most of any club in the NHL to date.
“It’s tough to beat any team,” Nelson said following Sunday’s win. “These guys have a lot of weapons. Any team can beat anyone… so every game is going to be different every day…. We did a good job taking it one day at a time.”
During Sunday’s third-consecutive contest facing the Sabres, Nelson managed to record his first two-goal game of the season. His first goal was scored within two minutes of Anders Lee drawing first blood and helped the Islanders to a 2-0 lead in the middle of the second period.
He also added an empty netter late in regulation.
BR🤩CK NELS🤩N pic.twitter.com/R0fME1xmQR
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 7, 2021
Nelson’s mojo returning couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for the Islanders, as they have pulled themselves into first place in the East Division and are beginning to distance themselves from the pack. Heading into Tuesday night’s tilt with the Bruins, the Isles have a four-point gap between them and second place Washington.
With Nelson showing consistency — totaling nine goals and 14 points now through 25 games — the Islanders’ offense can set their expectations much higher. They’ve already moved all the way up to 14th-best in goals per game. And with the team’s balanced, stylish scoring attack rolling, there’s a chance to be an even more tougher team to beat.
Just a few weeks ago those expectations seemed unrealistic when the offense as a whole was struggling. But now the tide has turned.
Nelson is exhibit A.
He’s playing his best hockey of the season and once again shining, which is huge now and will be as the season forges on.
Follow Dani on Twitter at @daniraemohr