Mathew Barzal of the New York Islanders celebrates his goal in the third period against the Boston Bruins in Game Four at Nassau Coliseum on June 05, 2021. Credit: Getty Images/Bruce Bennett
The Islanders would have been happy to have anyone score the winning goal.
Uncle Leo. Sparky the mascot. The Zamboni driver. Maybe Clark Gillies, after he was through chugging his adult beverage and smashing the can against his noggin.
But if the Islanders could choose who did the honors in Game 4 against the Bruins on Saturday night, there was no better option than Mathew Barzal, whose contribution chart now is pointed up, as it must be.