Mat Barzal had a big day yesterday. Not only did he claim another spot as an NHL All-Star, but he picked up two assists for his 400th and 401st career point in the win against the Coyotes.
This is Barzal’s 3rd time being invited to the All-Star weekend, and deservedly so as he is on track to return to 60+ points this season. He currently has 10 goals and 29 assists for 39 points on the season thus far. Barzy now has 401 points in 457 games played during his tenure with the Islanders since 2017-18 (currently in his 7th season). That puts him 7th overall in his 2015 Draft Class, where Connor McDavid has the HEFTY lead with 903 points (Rantanen is 2nd with 561 points). Barzal is also 7th quickest to 400 points in franchise history, with first place Bossy reaching the milestone in only 283 games.
This year has seen a significant offensive outburst from the Islanders, thankfully from the guys who we count on for such production, like Barzal, Horvat, Nelson, and Dobson. Brock Nelson leads the team with 17 goals, and Horvat sits right behind him with 16 thanks to his two goals last night.
Is this the year Barzal can break his season record of 85 points? Can he score 25, or even 30 goals? Despite being one of our most skilled players, his points have decreased every season since his Calder-winning rookie year. However, he is only 6 points from last year’s 45, and is looking to be in good form, especially having a full healthy season with Horvat centering him and a functional power play.
As far as All-Star weekend goes, this will be Mat’s first time back since winning faster skater in 2020. What skills will we see him in this year? Will any other Islanders get nominated? Nelson or Horvat could fit the bill, but none more so than Noah Dobson, who has 38 points. Some argue he has more of a claim to go than Barzal, especially considering he has not been invited yet, and I can agree with that. Nonetheless, it will be fun to watch any of the Islanders that go, and I’m excited to see Barzal rip it up with the best. Congrats on the milestone, you handsome bastard.
CP: NHL.com
The Morning Skate 