ANAHEIM, Calif. — Mathew Barzal and Steve Konowalchuk were together for four years in Seattle, where Konowalchuk was coach and Barzal was one of the core members of the Western League team. Their time together culminated in a WHL championship last spring, with Barzal named playoff MVP.
On Wednesday, they reunited in a way. Barzal came to town with the Islanders, his first full pro season after two strong training camps and a brief stay at the start of last season. Konowalchuk, who played for 12 years in the NHL, was on the opposite bench, in his first season on Randy Carlyle’s staff with the Ducks.