Redemption felt like the appropriate word to describe the New York Islanders’ Feb. 27 victory over the Dallas Stars. After back-to-back losses and four defeats in five games, they finally returned to the win column. Redemption also, fittingly, describes the new top line’s performance in their first game together.
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Brock Nelson, Bo Horvat, and Mathew Barzal played over 22:28; for the most part, they were a non-factor. They failed to score, and they looked hapless on the power play. Then came overtime. Barzal willed the team to victory as he controlled the puck from end to end and found Horvat with a centering pass for the 3-2 winner.
This new top line will be watched closely. All season long, the Islanders have shown they have a top-heavy roster, and outside of the four or five best players, the team has struggled. The offense has been carried by Barzal, Horvat, and Nelson, with the bottom six providing minimal contributions. Now, head coach Patrick Roy is leaning into his star power, we’ll see how far this line can carry the team.
Barzal Continues to Lead Offense
The final shift against the Stars was all anyone needed to see to know that Barzal’s been the best player on the Islanders this season. The All-Star selection was one thing, his ability to carry the team is another. In overtime, he wasn’t going to let his team lose. Even as he was losing stamina, he outskated the Stars’ defense to provide a scoring opportunity.
Barzal found Horvat with a centering pass, and he fired the puck into the back of the net. It’s a connection that has worked throughout the season and helped the Islanders win games they looked poised to lose. Barzal creates scoring chances and has always thrived with a shooter on his line, and with Horvat stepping up, he’s unlocked his offensive skill set.
This season, Barzal has rounded out his game. He’s always been a great passer and capable of setting up other skaters on his line. This season, he’s stepped up as a shooter, with 17 goals, but also as a defensive forward. His 1.2 defensive point shares are tied with Horvat for third on the team and first among forwards. Barzal doesn’t center the top line, but by all means, he’s leading it and is the focal point of the Islanders’ offense.
The problem is that he can’t carry…
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