Brock Nelson was a standout in the Islanders’ series-tying win over the Penguins in Game 4 on Saturday at the Coliseum, but the team’s No. 2 center has quietly been a driving force throughout the entire first round.
With a goal and two assists in four games this series, Nelson’s offensive contributions are obvious. What isn’t noticed as much is the pesky nature with which Nelson plays that repeatedly frustrates the opposition.
That’s just how Nelson has carried himself in the last few Islanders’ postseason appearances: under the radar and under their opponent’s skin. It comes through even more so in the important games. It’s just how Big Game Brock plays.
“When he plays at his best, like [Saturday] night, you can really tell, he makes a difference in every end of those games,” Jean-Gabriel Pageau said of Nelson on Sunday. “He’s the guy that, when the level of the game gets higher, he elevates his game.”
Josh Bailey’s second-period goal that opened up the scoring in Saturday’s 4-1 victory wouldn’t have happened without Nelson. In an offensive-zone sequence in the corner, Nelson maintained puck possession with Penguins star Sidney Crosby on his heels before finding Bailey in the left faceoff circle for the quick shot, giving the Isles a 1-0 lead.
Barry Trotz pointed out that Nelson has a quiet intensity about him and an underrated skill set to go along with his length.
“All that being said, he got it done with that combination,” the Islanders coach said. “There was determination on the puck, there was a skill set that was needed for him to execute that. But it was the competitive nature. That play could have been killed in the corner, and he kept it alive and then he was able to get it over to Bails. All those elements that he possesses, they were there on display on that one goal.”
What came after was just another dimension to Nelson’s game. Instead of changing direction to skate right over to Bailey to celebrate, Nelson went out of his way to cut into the crease right in between Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry and defenseman Kris Letang, who took notice and shoved him.
“It’s just part of the game,” Nelson said of his instigator side. “Just try to go out there and play. I want to try to give us the best chance to win, whatever that may be. You can impact the game in a lot of different ways. Whatever the game presents, try to go out there, be hard to play against, make it tough on them.”
Nelson finished second on the Islanders in points during their 2019-20 run to the conference finals in the bubble playoffs, recording nine goals and nine assists in 22 games. His nine goals and three game-winning tallies tied with Anthony Beauvillier for the team lead.
With two goals in Game 4 of the second-round series against the Flyers last season, Nelson propelled the Isles to a 3-2 series lead that was crucial in winning it in seven to reach the conference final series against the Lightning. He had the game-winner in Game 3 against Tampa Bay, which kept the Isles competitive after going down 2-0 in the series before they ultimately fell in six.
“There’s a lot of guys this time of year that will step up and make the plays,” Nelson said. “But I think it’s a combination of just owning your moment and being ready, but then also staying with the same attitude.”
That’s just how Big Game Brock plays.
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