The Islanders opened training camp on Thursday at the Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow. While acknowledging that the first day is meant to kick off the summer rust, they're excited about starting Year 2 of the Barry Trotz era. (Credit: News 12 Long Island)
Mathew Barzal has no intention of abandoning the defensive part of his game that became more detailed last season under Barry Trotz. The Islanders coach insists upon that priority from all his players.
But Barzal, the Islanders’ scoring leader in each of his first two NHL seasons, is also aiming to come closer to his 85-point performance that earned him the Calder Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year in 2018.