DETROIT — There was a hint of a smile on Pierre Envall's face when asked Tuesday night if his mindset had changed since being recalled by the Islanders.
“I try not to think about it too much,” Engvall said. “I just try to do my best every day and control what I can control. That's it.”
So if Engvall had a yes-day moment in Bridgeport after he was shockingly demoted after a disastrous training camp, he's keeping it to himself.
If the idea is that his plays tell a story, everyone will like what they hear.
Engvall scored in his third consecutive game Tuesday night — only the second time since being traded to the Islanders in March 2023 — and remained with the team after the Isles' loss. Looked like one of the most aggressive players, 2-1, to the flames.
That last point is the most important for Engvall, whose competitiveness on a game-by-game level often seemed like a sine wave.
It's only been 11 games since he returned to action, so no one is making any big claims, but his newfound brilliance has been a nice and welcome surprise for the Islanders.
“He's attacking the net more and he's near the net more often,” coach Patrick Roy said. “He's a really good skater and he's been playing really well for us lately. Very good.”
For much of last season, Engvall seemed reluctant to get into dirty areas or play around the net. Nothing of the sort has come to light since what general manager Lou Lamoriello described as a “wake-up call” when he failed to make the roster from camp despite being in the second year of a seven-year contract.
Engvall suddenly created an offensive force — he had 10 goals all last season — considering the Islanders were bottom-six and under-scored for most of this year. If he can keep it up, he could be a potential game changer.
The 28-year-old Swede is an exceptional talent with a 6-foot-5 frame and high-end skating ability.
It's just a matter of Engvall bringing his talent to the table every shift and night.
He's off to a good start.
Coach Derek Lalonde expects Alex Ryan to start in net for Red Wings against Islanders on Thursday he told reporters. The Islanders have not practiced and have not yet announced their starter in goal.
