NY Islanders Mathew Barzal speaks out for first time since controversial slash

New York islanders All-Star Mathew Barzal addressed the controversy surrounding his ejection for the first time Tuesday, speaking candidly about the moment that led to a five-minute major, a game misconduct, and a $5,000 fine — and why he would still choose to stand up for his teammate.

Barzal will be back in the Islanders’ lineup on the top line with Bo Horvat against Chicago after avoiding a suspension for his retaliatory slash on Columbus forward Mason Marchment on Sunday. The incident occurred after Marchment took two hard runs at rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, including a tripping play Barzal believed crossed the line.

“Earlier in the game, he took a run at Schaef and I thought it was high,” Barzal said after Tuesday's morning skate. “On the second play, I look back and I see Schaef on the ground and the same guy seems to be the culprit. It was a split-second decision.”

Barzal acknowledged the severity of his response, swinging his stick in frustration, but emphasized that his intent was not to injure. “I didn’t go after a knee or a wrist,” he said. “Any time you get kicked out, maybe you’re thinking it could come. I personally thought they made the right call.”

The NHL agreed that supplemental discipline beyond a fine was unnecessary, noting that Marchment returned to the game and was not injured. That decision allowed Barzal to return immediately to the lineup, where he skated alongside Bo Horvat as the Islanders looked to generate more offense.

Beyond the hockey implications, Barzal made clear that the Islanders’ room was unified behind his actions. “Schaef’s our guy,” Barzal said. “Anyone who wants to run around and go after an 18-year-old, it’s just not going to fly in this dressing room. We’ve made that clear as a group.”

While the Islanders paid a price in the game that followed, Barzal’s comments underscored something bigger than one result. The Islanders’ star forward accepted the consequences but left no doubt about the message: their prized rookie will not be left to fend for himself.