VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Matthew Barzal will play for the New York Islanders instead of Vancouver Canucks on Monday night, but plenty of fans will still be rooting for him.
Barzal estimates that 100 supporters, including family, friends, and former coaches and teammates will be at Rogers Arena to watch his first NHL game in his hometown against the Canucks (24-32-9).
"I'm pumped," Barzal told the Islanders' website. "I've never had this many people coming to a game. I'm excited, I'm a little nervous, but it's going to be fun. I'm going to have a blast.