Andreoff's Career Year Boosts Bridgeport
Mar 26, 2023By Rachel Luscher | @Rachel_Luscher
Andy Andreoff is a 30-goal scorer for the first time in his career, potting 31 goals in 60 games this season to bolster offense for the Bridgeport Islanders. The alternate captain led all players in goals in the American Hockey League as of Sunday, March 26th. He's producing points in bunches while providing the leadership necessary for Bridgeport to maintain their playoff position.
Head Coach Brent Thompson made strong remarks about Andreoff, who leads the team in goals and ranks second in points with 55. The coach compared his style of play to the on-ice qualities of the New York Islanders' captain.
"He's our version of Anders Lee," Thompson said of Andreoff's on-ice characteristics. "He's dangerous at the net front and he's strong on the puck."
Andreoff has been lethal on the power play, recording 12 power-play goals this season, marking a career high. Thompson pointed out that the 31-year-old center always created opportunities, but this season he has been finding the back of the net with a little more regularity.
"I think the puck bounces are just going in for him this year," Thompson said. "Quite honestly if you look at last year, he had those same opportunities. I think he's just a little stronger on his stick right now. Him and [Chris] Terry have outstanding chemistry, and on the power play they're deadly."
Andreoff is humble about his own success and attributes his eruptive production to his linemate, Terry, who he's been grouped for the better part of the past year and a half. The two have a combined 50 goals on the season and 67 assists this season.
"It gets easier every single game, we know where each other are," Andreoff said of his growing chemistry with Terry. "I think the whole line is working, everyone is producing. We're working together pretty well."
The dynamic pair had multi-point performances in a 5-2 win over the Syracuse Crunch on Mar. 17. Andreoff ended the night with his second hat trick of the season and first four-point night (3G,1A) of the year, while Terry buried a goal and recorded two helpers on Andreoff's goals.
Andreoff was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the third round of the 2011 NHL Draft (80th overall) and spent three seasons with the Manchester Monarchs, LA's AHL affiliate, before making his NHL debut for the Kings on Oct. 14, 2014.
After spending seven seasons with the Kings' system and two with Philadelphia, Andreoff was acquired by the Islanders ahead of the 2021-22 season. The Pickering, ON, native wore an "A" for Bridgeport in his first season with the organization, making a mark with 18 goals, which ranked second on the team. Andreoff also pitched in for the Islanders in nine NHL appearances for the Islanders over the span of two seasons, recording two points (1G, 1A).
With 394 AHL games and 188 NHL games on his resume, Andreoff brings a wealth of knowledge to rookies especially.
"Learning from a guy like him, it's pretty nice," said William Dufour, who is in his rookie season with Bridgeport. "[Andreoff] is a solid player. He's going to the net and playing two-way games. He's on the power play, he's killing penalties, he's on the top line."
"It's good to have an experienced player to help with your mistakes or when you're down a little bit," said Ruslan Iskhakov, who is also in his first season. "It's always a pleasure playing with him."
Andreoff is expected to hit his milestone 400th AHL game by the end of the regular season, and he said the people he connected with stand out in the journey of his professional career.
"It's definitely a special milestone," Andreoff said. "It's been a lot of fun. I've met a lot of new guys and worked with a great coaching staff. The biggest part is you make a lot of friendships throughout your career."