It’s ironic that Mathew Barzal reached 50 assists for the first time in seven seasons after moving from center, but the 5-0 record came when he moved back to midfield.
His one-goal, two-assist, three-point performance in the Islanders’ 6-3 win over the Jets on Saturday served as proof that Barzal can still do it and still be counted on on days when he’s not next to Bo Horvat. I accomplished it. carrying the line.
“They weren’t flashy,” Patrick Roy said of the trio, which also included Anders Lee and Hudson Fassing. “They put the puck deep and made a forecheck. Anders was around the net and Barzee was controlling the puck and made great decisions.”
It was a polished performance from a player known for playing East-West more than North-South, and all three goals Barzal was involved in found the back of the net.
It may not be his forte, but the dirty work of playing along the wall and backchecking has become part of his game.
The question going into the season was whether Barzal would be able to handle the change in position.
The answer now, as he accelerates toward the end of his best season as a pro since winning the Calder Trophy in 2018, is that he can handle anything the Islanders throw at him.
“I think my whole game, I definitely tried to focus on backchecking, takeaways, positioning,” Barzal said.
“I’ve been trying to elevate it and make it as perfect as possible. That’s the focus every day for me right now. Especially in the second half, you have to play 200 feet and be perfect.”
Barzal has repeatedly reminded us of his ultimate potential this season, even as the Islanders find themselves mired in a playoff race filled with dominant teams.
He developed impeccable chemistry with Horvat and quickly adapted to his new position and new system following a coaching change, averaging career-high ice time and recommitting to the defensive end.
The offensive numbers continued even though Barzal and Horvat were out for a while.
Not that Barzal is counting.
“At the end of the day, we could score 150 points this year, and if we don’t make the playoffs, it doesn’t necessarily mean anything,” he said.
Simon Holmstrom was removed from the lineup in favor of Matt Martin, becoming a healthy scratch for the second time this season.
Casey Cizikas usurped Holmstrom’s spot on the third line, sliding Jean-Gabriel Pageau to the left and Pierre Envall to the right.
Martin skated in the fourth row, as usual, with Kyle MacLean and Cal Clutterbuck.
Alexander Romanov skated next to Robert Bortuzzo in the third defensive pair.
Mike Riley moved Romanoff’s usual position to Ryan Purock’s left side.
