The Islanders routed the Capitals by an 8-4 score to force a three-way tie in the East division. They did so on the strength of Mathew Barzal’s hat trick and five point night. They young pivot put on his rocket boosters prior to the game and spent the evening skating by Washington defenders with ease.
NHL Scores: Barzal explodes for five points; Penguins and Rangers win
It was a wild first period that saw six combined goals. John Carlson opened the scoring but once Jordan Eberle scored the flood gates exploded for the Islanders. Barzal was the star of the show as he was flying all over the ice as a one man highlight reel.