Dangerous top line has potential to carry NY Islanders to new offensive heights

Wherever your expectations were for the new-look New York Islanders top-line before the start of the season, chances are they've moved up a notch or two. In Friday night's 5-2 preseason finale win over the New York Rangers, the trio of Mathew Barzal, Bo Horvat, and Anthony Duclair showed they are capable of being not only good but dangerous.

Horvat scored on the power play and then again at 15:09 of the second period to tie the game. Barzal assisted on both goals and did something he's done four times in the regular season - a five-point night. Barzal's goal and four-assist performance capped off a very productive preseason for the All-Star, finishing with nine points (4G, 5A) in only four games. Friday's goal came on a breakaway as Duclair nudged a puck forward enough to send Barzal on his way.

Per NHL PR, Barzal's next five-point performance in the regular season will be his fifth, tying Hall-of-Fame defenseman Denis Potvin for the third-most in history. "As good as this feels, it obviously doesn't quite matter yet. But there's always pride, and you want to win every time you put on the jersey,” said Barzal after the game. “I thought we played a pretty solid game."

In recent years, everyone from Leo Komarov and Cal Clutterbuck to Casey Cizikas and Simon Holmstrom has skated alongside Barzal on the top line. Now, not only does there appear to be stability as to who his linemates will be, but both Horvat and Duclair have been NHL All-Stars. Barzal had his moments with players like Anthony Beauvillier and Josh Bailey, the same way John Tavares did with Brad Boyes and PA Parenteau. They were good, and productive players, but players dependent on the greatest they were playing with to contribute consistently.

Now, the Isles' top line is composed of three players who each have the ability to carry a line on their own. They will be given the opportunity to play together and perhaps carry the team to offensive heights they haven't seen since the 2017-18 season under Doug Weight in Barzal's rookie season. They still have to do it "for real" when the regular season starts on Thursday, but the preseason chemistry has raised expectations to where they perhaps should be.