New York Islanders: Mathew Barzal Shines In First Preseason Action

In his first preseason action of 2019-2020, Mathew Barzal looked like his old self for the New York Islanders against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The New York Islanders are 2-0 in the preseason, after beating the Philadelphia Flyers for the second time in as many days. It’s hard not to overreact and get excited from these preseason games, but it’s important to remember the wins and losses don’t matter, you’re just trying to get in game shape and fill out your roster.

I understand the disclaimer, and that the Flyers barely played any NHL talent, but Mathew Barzal got me excited last night. He played like a man possessed.

Last year, Barzy had a down year in point production with only 62 points. He wasn’t the same offensive player that he was the year before, no one was in Barry Trotz’s defensive-minded system.

Last night, we saw a flash of the dominant player he could be. On the first goal of the game for the Isles, Derrick Brassard received a stellar pass between two defenders that set up an easy one-timer.

On the game-tying goal late in the third, again it was Barzal who used his skating ability to create space for Jordan Eberle to move into the slot. Barzal found him and he didn’t hesitate to find the back of the net.

I’m aware that it’s only the preseason, and one preseason game at that, but it’s hard not to get excited when it comes to Mathew Barzal’s potential.

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