Barzal sends message to NHL, but goes too far

New York Islanders star Mathew Barzal sent a strong message to the NHL: Don’t mess with Matthew Schaefer or pay the price. Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mason Marchment got it loud and clear.

Unfortunately, Barzal went a little too far.

During the early stages of the Islanders’ matchup against the Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Sunday night, Barzal stood up for Schaefer following an egregious trip by Marchment.

Marchment, who was recently acquired by the Blue Jackets, tripped Schaefer up without even being close to the puck. Barzal took exception to the hit. The Islanders’ veteran sent a few harsh words to Marchment before leveling him with a vicious slash.

Here’s a look at the outrageous exchange:

The officials threw the book at Barzal. He got a five-minute major for slashing Marchment. The incident also led to Barzal getting the heave-ho via a 10-minute game misconduct.

As for Marchment, he got a two-minute minor for tripping Schaefer. The Islanders’ prized rookie seemed fine. He skated in 27 shifts, totaling 25 minutes of ice time.

Barzal could face supplemental discipline from NHL

The blatant slash to Marchment could land Barzal with supplemental discipline by the league. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety will likely review the play and determine what, if any, additional penalty Barzal could face.

Judging from Saturday night’s Panthers-Lightning game, Barzal could be looking at a fine. Scott Sabourin got slapped with a $2,018.23 fine for slashing the Panthers’ Niko Mikkola.

However, there could be a difference between Sabourin’s fine and Barzal’s situation. Sabourin got called for a minor penalty on the ice. Barzal, instead, was ejected from the game. As such, those circumstances could lead the NHL to issue a greater punishment for Barzal.

News of further penalization, if any, should come on Monday.

The Islanders lost the game against the Blue Jackets 4-2 after blowing a 2-1 lead, giving up three unanswered goals in a span of about three minutes late in the third period.