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New York Islanders Mathew Barzal Should be Second Line Center

By ColGuy
Sep 27, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) and New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) battle for a loose puck during the first period during a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Mika Zibanejad (93) and New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) battle for a loose puck during the first period during a preseason hockey game at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Islanders Prospect Mathew Barzal is showcasing his outstanding talent throughout the WHL Playoffs. He should be the Isles second line center next season.

Mathew Barzal has been leading his Seattle Thunderbirds to the WHL Finals in a way New York Islanders fans so desperately hope to see from him in the NHL, tallying 20 points in just 12 games in the first three rounds of the playoffs. Barzal has also tallied 15 assists throughout those 12 games, proving how great of a playmaker Barzal truly is.

New York Islanders

The Thunderbirds have had a slightly easy road to the finals because of Barzal’s play, boasting a record of 12-2, with both of their losses coming in the conference finals to the Kelowna Rockets.

Not only did the Thunderbirds sweep their first and second round opponents, but they absolutely embarrassed them.

Much like Lebron James’ Cleveland Cavaliers, the majority of the games the Thunderbirds played in were absolute blowouts, including an 9-2 victory over the Tri-City Americans.

With his leadership and talent, Barzal has given New York Islanders fans something to be excited about next season.

What the Isles Need

The New York Islanders are a team looking for an option at center on that second line. Ryan Strome just wasn’t working last season. If Mathew Barzal can do exactly what he’s doing right now in the NHL, he’ll be the perfect fit for the Isles.

Although Barzal wouldn’t be the New York Islanders first line center anytime soon, Barzal would settle in nicely on that second line. Giving the Islanders a viable second attacking wave after Tavares, Lee and Bailey.

Playing on a line with guys like Brock Nelson and Andrew Ladd, two players who hit the 20 goal mark last season. Ladd actually hit 23, who thought that was a possibility in December even?

Barzal’s playmaking ability would be a much-needed asset to this New York Islanders roster, which so desperately needs more playmaking.

Next: New York Islanders Have Potential To Excite Fans

As for the Thunderbirds, they’re headed for game number three of the WHL Finals against the Regina Pats with the series tied at one game apiece. It’s a good opportunity to see if Mathew Barzal has what it takes to be a champion.

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