There’s a decent chance, given Mathew Barzal’s career arc so far, this month’s All-Star Game at San Jose will be remembered as his first appearance, not the only time he participated. But there are no guarantees and the advice from others who have experienced the showcase event is to savor the moment.
“I think you really just embrace the whole thing,” said Islanders right wing Josh Bailey, who earned his first All-Star selection last season when the game was held in Tampa. “Just try to enjoy every minute of it. That’s what I did. It’s only a couple of days and it flies by.