Matt Barzal: A Unique Player in the NHL

Matt Barzal, in a way, is something like an inkblot test for hockey fans. You might watch him and be blown away by his impact on every shift, or, conversely, you could walk away scratching your head, wondering why he hasn’t fully capitalized on his evident talent.

Recently, it’s been a bit of a mixed bag for Barzal. He’s managed only three points in six games since his game-winning overtime goal in Las Vegas. Still, he’s been noticeable in each match, often maintaining the puck in high-pressure areas. Against Seattle on Sunday, he even took six shots, demonstrating a more assertive offensive approach. While the points haven’t reflected his efforts recently, he pointed out after Tuesday’s practice that the Islanders have seen a boost in victories, winning seven out of their last nine games leading up to the Thanksgiving Eve matchup against the Bruins.

“I’m recovering from a major injury, and I’m feeling really good,” Barzal shared. “The numbers may not shine right now, but I feel my game quality has been really consistent, possibly the best during this recent stretch of my career.”

He acknowledges that being locked in for six years has shifted his priorities a bit. “As a rookie, or when you’re on a rookie contract, you might stress more about points and contracts. For me, it’s really about winning, and that’s what we’re doing.”

There are two undeniable positives that speak to Barzal’s impact on the game. First, he’s a constant threat in the offensive zone, placing him in the 84th percentile league-wide for offensive zone time, according to NHL Edge tracking. Second, and perhaps correlating, the Islanders are defensively sound when he’s on the ice—he allows the second-fewest expected goals against among Islanders forwards.

As captain Anders Lee noted, “He’s getting inside more, taking shots, and attacking the net. I see him utilizing his linemates effectively, which boosts his overall gameplay.”

Barzal himself knows he can improve, particularly his low 34.2% faceoff win rate. Transitioning back to center, which had been a topic of discussion before the season, seems to be progressing well. Despite his 17 points in 22 games not being a pressing concern, there’s still room for growth.

“I think my turnover rate is the lowest it’s ever been,” Barzal stated. “The chances we’re creating feel higher than ever, even if I can’t quote the stats. But at the end of the day, winning is what matters.”

A lot of Barzal’s performance can be attributed to his return to center, which not only increases his awareness of his defensive role but also somewhat limits his scoring opportunities, as he’s no longer the primary finisher on his line.

While Barzal works well with Jonathan Drouin, whom he’s played with extensively this season, there’s a sense that both could be more aggressive in taking shots. “When I’m a centerman, I have to adjust my mindset to control the play more than when I was floating as a winger,” he noted. “But my defensive play and takeaways have probably been the best of my career.”