New York Islanders Five Bold Predictions for Rest of 2018-19 Season

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GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 22: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders in action during the first period of the NHL game against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena on January 22, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Mathew Barzal Nominated for MVP

Over the last five games Mathew Barzal has ten points. Of those ten points, seven are goals. On the season, Barzal has 38 points in 39 games and is on pace for 80 points. He’s been the Islanders most valuable player, bar none.

Since December 2018 Barzal has scored 16 points in 15 games. He keeps that form up for the remainder of the season and he’ll end the 2018-19 season with 84 points and possibly more.

He’s a huge reason that the New York Islanders are just a single point out of a playoff spot at the moment. (Of course Barry Trotz deserves a ton of credit also.)

If Barzal’s form continues though, and the New York Islanders find themselves in the playoffs you have to think he gets a nod.

Just look at the field. There are a number of players with better point totals than Barzal, but none are the single best player on the team. Last season Taylor Hall won the award for single handedly powering his team to the playoffs. Remember, the Hart is awarded to the player that is most valuable to his team.

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Nikita Kucherov and his 138 point pace will make it difficult for Barzal to get enough votes to maybe win, but he should at least factor into the vote. So long as his form keeps up and the Islanders make the playoffs.