Barzal Avoids Suspension After Ejection
CHICAGO — Matthew Barzal won’t face suspension after being ejected for slashing Mason Marchment during the Islanders’ 4-2 defeat against the Blue Jackets on Sunday.
The NHL’s Office of Player Safety stated on Monday that Barzal received a $5,000 fine, which is the maximum permissible under the collective bargaining agreement. Fortunately for him, that was the extent of the punishment.
It seems like a small cost to bear, especially since he’ll be available for Tuesday’s matchup against the Blackhawks.
The Islanders were quick to support Barzal following the incident. They felt that Marchment had crossed a line by tripping Matthew Schaefer with a knee, and they appreciated Barzal for defending the rookie.
Even Marchment acknowledged in the Blue Jackets’ locker room that he might have taken things too far. “I’m used to it by now; it’s part of my game to gauge what others teams think,” he said. “I didn’t mean to hurt him. I just got in his way. Maybe that wasn’t very smart.”
Schaefer, thankfully, wasn’t injured and completed the game, logging an impressive 25 minutes on the ice.
Barzal sat out the last 38 minutes and 26 seconds of the game after receiving a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct. This lengthy absence likely influenced the NHL’s decision to refrain from suspending him.
The Islanders clearly missed Barzal’s presence as they struggled with a patchwork offensive line involving Anders Lee, Simon Holmstrom, and Jonathan Drouin. Yet, it seems they were willing to endure that to protect their standout rookie.
After the game, manager Patrick Roy remarked, “I thought it was a knee kick from Scherf. I can never fault a teammate for trying to protect another teammate. Virgie’s response was appropriate.”
Meanwhile, Connor Bedard skated before the Blackhawks’ practice on Monday but didn’t participate in shooting drills. He’s not expected to play against the Islanders on Tuesday.
Schaefer and Bo Horvat will learn this Wednesday whether they’ve made Team Canada’s Olympic roster, just ahead of a press conference where Hockey Canada will unveil the squad for Milan.
