Not only are the Islanders proving the impossible, as they are showing up hockey analysts and making it to the post-season without the Voldemort of Long Island (John Tavares), but they have a talented core and many outstanding prospects.
Barzal Is Getting Reinforcements
Sure, Mathew Barzal hasn’t been as electric as last season, but that hasn’t necessarily slowed the Islanders down.
I’m not going to beat around the bush, Barzal’s numbers are down. After 81 games played, he has 18 goals and 44 assists. His 5v5 and power-play stats are down, when you compare it to last season, but I believe that has to do more with his wingers than him.