Mathew Barzal News

Barzal was scratched on Tuesday but will play Thursday vs. the Devils. Barzal has struggled over the last month, scoring just two goals with five assists (seven points) in his last 14 games.

Barzal debuted in Islanders' camp on Saturday, fresh off of a three-year contract extension. The 23-year-old centre had 19 goals and 41 assists (60 points) in 68 games a season ago and has averaged 14 goals and 36 assists (50 points) per 56-games over the last three years. Given the depth at the position, Barzal is a strong No.2 fantasy centre now that he'll be there for the start of the 2021 season.

Barzal left Game 5 with 4:47 left in the third period after being high-sticked by Claude Giroux. Barzal did not return for overtime and is questionable for Game 6 on Thursday. Head coach Barry Troy said that his level concern about Barzal's available was "just probably moderate." Consider Barzal a game-time decision.

Barzal served as a healthy scratch for the last six games and only appeared in two games after cracking the roster out of training camp. The Islanders never really gave Barzal a chance, so he returns to Seattle, where he had 88 points (27G / 61A) in 58 games a season ago.

Barzal played 10:10 during his NHL debut on Saturday, but he will come out of the lineup in favour of Alan Quine on Sunday.

Barzal sat out of the Islanders’ season opener, but will draw into the lineup on Saturday. Barzal will centre the third line with Ryan Strome on his right wing and Anders Lee on the left. Barzal is also expected to play on the Islanders’ top power-play unit.