New York Islanders center Brock Nelson (29) celebrates with teammate after scoring a goal against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
ELMONT, N.Y. — There’s a reason why New York Islanders fans have been calling this month “Brocktober,” for the better part of the last decade.
Veteran center Brock Nelson got off his usual fast start on the Islanders’ opening night of the season on Saturday at UBS Arena in a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, recording a goal and an assist. It’s nothing new for the 32-year-old, who ushered in his birthday on Sunday by padding his stat line on the first game of the season.
In 11 career opening nights, Nelson has recorded six goals and six assists (12 points). Over 88 career games in the month of October, he has 33 goals and 36 assists (69 points).
“I don’t think there’s anything particular,” Nelson said of his fast starts. “I think everyone just wants to feel good about their game. Whatever the reason, it’s been good for me. So hopefully, there’s more of that.”
He found the back of the net just 5:57 into the season as he was the benefactor of a strong forecheck from his linemate, Pierre Engvall, who stripped Sabres defenseman Connor Clifton at the blue line and laid a pass to Nelson who was streaking into the left circle. With a flick of the wrist, Nelson’s shot fizzed under the glove of Sabres goalie Devon Levi to put the Islanders in front.
“[Engvall] drives the possession with his speed and his puck protection,” Nelson said of his linemate. “He’s great down low, he’s great in the neutral-zone space, so he can beat you in a number of different ways.”
Another Engvall steal at the blue line late in the first period presented the Islanders with possession in the Sabres zone against a defense in disarray. A shot from defenseman Ryan Pulock was saved by Levi, but Nelson pounced on the…
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