Mat Barzal is questionable for the NY Islanders tonight in a matchup against the Detroit Red Wings

The hits keep coming for the NY Islanders. Mat Barzal, who wasn’t present at today’s morning skate, is questionable for tonight’s matchup with the Detroit Red Wings after sustaining some sort of knock after Sunday night's shootout win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

“It’s maintenance,” Patrick Roy told the media. “He’s going to do the warm-up, and after the warm-up, we’ll see if he’s capable of playing.”

Barzal is questionable for tonight's game

If Barzal is unable to go, Jonathan Drouin will slide to the middle of the line alongside Emil Heineman and Max Tsyplakov and play center, a position he played sporadically with the Colorado Avalanche.

“That’s what I love about Drou,” Roy says. “I asked him, (and) he said, ‘Whatever I can do to help the team.’ That’s the attitude you want from your players."

After Horvat’s injury, Barzal’s role within the team became more vital, but the team's center depth will be put to the test with their top two centers potentially out of the lineup. Losing Horvat in the second period in last week's game against the Anaheim Ducks, Barzal recorded 23:48 of time on ice, followed by 24:58 on Sunday. 

Tsyplakov will earn a chance in the top six if Barzal can’t go. Tsyplakov has had an underwhelming sophomore season in the NHL, but his benchings this season appear to be more a result of numbers issues rather than his play. 

“It’s tough for him as well as for the coaching staff,” Roy said. “That’s the decisions you want to be in - to be forced to make. It’s tough calls, and this one is a tough one.”

We’ll know shortly before puck drop if Barzal laces them up tonight, as Roy is optimistic he’ll be in the lineup.