Islanders weekly winners and losers: Tom Kuhnhackl stands out

Winners

Mathew Barzal – 1G, 2A

I know we expect Mathew Barzal to lead the team in production. But sometimes it feels like he’s actually doing it all on his own. This week, Barzal has three points across three games with a goal and two helpers.

That puts him at 16 goals and 17 helpers on the season for 33 points in 37 games. Putting him on pace to hit 73 points over 82 games. He leads the team in goals, assists, and points. He even leads the team in +/- for those that care.

It feels like we’re getting into Tavares territory here. Barzal needs help because when he isn’t putting up points the team has a hard time putting up any offense.

Tom Kuhnhackl – 1G, 1A

Tom Kuhnhackl had himself a good week. He played three games in-a-row, add that to the two he had last week and that’s already a win for him. But he also added some offense to that ice time with a goal against the Wild and an assist against the Blackhawks.

The Islanders were desperately looking for offense from their bottom six and Kuhnhackl brought that out this week. Much to the chagrin of Michael Dal Colle who’s spot is being taken by Kuhnhackl.

Leo Komarov – 1A

A few players had more points than Leo Komarov this week. Jordan Eberle continues to put up helpers with two this week for a total of 14 this season. But it’s not always about the number of points. Sometimes it’s about who’s putting them up, and how.

Komarov had found ice-time hard to come by before the injury to

Cal Clutterbuck

, he’s only played 18 of the Islanders 37 games this season. But against Minnesota, Komarov popped off with an incredible helper on a

Matt Martin

goal.

Komarov isn’t going to regularly make the highlight reel but this one deserves a spot. Falling on his backside he gets the puck to a streaking Matt Martin. Incredible.

Just like with Kuhnhackl, the Islanders needed their bottom six to chip in with some offense. Against Minnesota they did, and the Isles come away with the two points.