Barzal Scratched for Late Arrival

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Islanders’ Matt Barzal was benched against the Hurricanes on Thursday morning due to his tardiness in arriving at the rink.

Coach Patrick Roy commented, “That’s part of our team culture. We decided not to include him in tonight’s game. Barzee is not thrilled about it; he’s not feeling great. However, he respects and understands the choice. He took it quite well.”

He added, “I explained to him that something similar happened when I was in Colorado, albeit in a different manner. I missed a practice and ended up sitting out two games. This is just how we operate as a team, and we stick to it. But I think he’s handling it well.”

Barzal is expected to return to the lineup against the Capitals on Friday. There hasn’t been any announcement regarding roster changes for Thursday’s game, but it seems defenseman Marshall Warren will be sidelined.

Callum Ritchie, the top forward prospect who just came back from an injury, might be an option for Thursday. Alongside him are Mark Gatcomb and Matthew Highmore as potential candidates.

Barzal participated in the morning skate as usual but was absent from the locker room afterward, leading reporters to find out about his removal shortly before Roy’s press conference.

Roy didn’t confirm if the practice of benching latecomers was a new rule for this season, stating, “We can’t revert to our past, but we’ve got to focus on today. I think it’s clear to everyone.”

When asked about the policy, he hinted that it may be a standard for the organization, saying, “No, that’s not my personal standard. That’s the organization’s standard.”