New York Islanders: Mathew Barzal and Anders Lee Belong Together

Mathew Barzal hasn’t had consistent linemates all year but perhaps the New York Islanders can use Anders Lee alongside Barzy.

Last night, the New York Islanders won an exciting 2-1 game against the Montreal Canadiens. It was a game that featured a goalie show from Thomas Greiss and Robin Lehner who were phenomenal all night.

Despite the obvious goalie showdown, there was an offensive play that stood out to me. The game-winning goal featured a beautiful play from Mathew Barzal with a nice finish from Anders Lee:

First of all, Mathew Barzal completely undressed poor Jeff Petry. We know how talented Mat Barzal is but when he does stuff like this it’s hard not to let your jaw drop and marvel at the brilliance that is Mathew Barzal with a hockey puck.

Anders Lee was able to finish off the play, something that the Barzal line usually struggles with. Josh Bailey and Anthony Beauvillier don’t finish consistently, enough and it’s why I exclaimed for help for Barzal.

Since the deadline has passed, perhaps the Islanders could use Anders Lee with Mat Barzal. Sure, this beautiful play is recency biased but their numbers together are pretty good. Using Natural Stat Trick’s WOWY tool, the two have pretty good numbers together this year.

In just over 137 minutes playing together, they have a 59.7 CF percentage. That’s outstanding. Their scoring chances for percentage is also through the roof with a 65.25 percent. Mat Barzal is at 50.32 without Lee and Lee is at 49.33 without Barzal.

Maybe the answer was in front of us after all? I’d like to see more of these two on the ice together.

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