Mathew Barzal Is Much More of a Plus than a Minus for the New York Islanders

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New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal is among the league’s elite top-six forwards. Barzal could easily slide into any team’s top line, especially on teams featuring a legitimate top-line center.

With the Isles, Barzal has grown into the team’s most dynamic forward. Last season, Barzal topped 80 points for the second time in his career. His 23 goals were key to the club’s success, especially during the second half of the season.

Since John Tavares left the Islanders after Barzal's rookie season, the weight of the franchise has been put on the shoulders of Coquitlam, BC native, and last season, he found that point-producing touch once again.

But like all NHL players, Mathew Barzal has strengths and weaknesses. In this piece, we’re going to examine Barzal’s plus and minus, establishing why Barzal is a truly elite NHL forward.

Mathew Barzal Offers Much More Plus than Minus for the New York Islanders

Mathew Barzal on the Plus Side

As the New York Islanders’ 16th overall pick in 2015, Barzal entered the league with high expectations. He delivered big time in his rookie season, notching 85 points, and easily capturing the Calder Trophy.

Since then, it’s been a tale of ups and downs, mainly due to injuries. But when in the lineup, Barzal is a point-per-game player. He’s a pass-first forward, making him one of the best playmakers in the league.

Mathew Barzal has a keen sense for open ice, using his speed as a decoy. However, Barzal hasn’t always played with a legitimate top-line forward. That changed with the arrival of Bo Horvat.

Horvat and Barzal have made a formidable duo, allowing the Isles to deploy a reliable top line. But the absence of a solid left winger has made scoring tough at times. The addition of Anthony Duclair this offseason promises to solve that issue.

If Horvat can drive the play, allowing Barzal to set plays up, and with Duclair crashing the net, the New York Islanders’ top line could be among the NHL’s productive. It wouldn’t be a stretch to consider Mathew Barzal reaching 100 points, while Horvat could easily top 40 goals.

Mathew Barzal on the Minus Side

The biggest criticism of Barzal has been his pass-first mentality. Analysts have questioned Barzal’s low goal totals. The contention is that if Barzal shot more often, he would have a higher goal total.

That assertion makes sense. Last season, Barzal’s shooting percentage was 9.6%. That’s not bad. But it’s actually low compared to his career average of 10.7%. His highest shooting percentage came in his rookie campaign where he registered a 12.9%.

Assuming Barzal continues scoring at a 10% rate, shooting more often could easily translate into a 30-goal season.

The other noticeable flaw in Barzal’s game is his relatively low faceoff percentage. Last year, Barzal notched a 43% faceoff percentage. That number isn’t a significant drawback, considering that Barzal isn’t a center.

Lastly, Barzal was a minus-4 last season. That’s an area that needs to improve, especially since the Isles don’t have the firepower to overwhelm opponents in high-scoring games.

The Verdict

Mathew Barzal is the New York Islanders’ most talented forward. He’s the engine that drives the team’s top line. With two legitimate top-line partners, Barzal is poised for a big season.

In my estimation, Barzal could easily top 80 points. But it wouldn’t be a stretch to visualize 100 points on the horizon.

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Mathew Barzal Offers Much More Plus than Minus for the New York Islanders

Mathew Barzal on the Plus Side

Mathew Barzal on the Minus Side

The Verdict

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