Energized Mathew Barzal On Just How Important It Is For Islanders To Make Playoffs
"To sum it up, everyone is fired up.” Mathew Barzal’s energy is setting the tone as the Islanders enter a defining stretch with their playoff hopes on the line.
ELMONT, NY — Whether he was putting the puck in the net or saw a teammate go bar-down, there was no one showcasing more energy at New York Islanders’ optional morning skate than Mathew Barzal.
For the fan base, it’s a nerve-wracking time — with six games to go, a playoff spot is anything but certain.
But if the Islanders can beat the Philadelphia Flyers tonight, Barzal and Co. will be back in control of their own destiny.
I caught up with Barzal about staying positive, living in the moment, and why making the playoffs means everything to this group:
Stefen Rosner: You seem revved up for tonight. What’s the level of excitement h to go play tonight?
Mathew Barzal: “It’s exciting. As far as this morning, I’m just messing around and having fun…Along with having fun, because of the moment we’re in — we’re detailed, but guys are out there ripping pucks. This time of year is the best time of the year. We’ve put ourselves in a position to enjoy it. We have six games left — six games where, if we win and play our best, we’re in the playoffs. Or we can look in the mirror and say we gave everything we had.
“I love our energy right now. We’re excited as a group. A lot of guys have been in the playoffs, are hungry to get back, and know how fun it is. To sum it up, everyone is fired up.”
Stefen Rosner: You have some younger guys who haven’t been in the playoffs. How important is it for veterans to ease the tension and nerves?
Mathew Barzal: “It’s definitely important. With Ritch, Shaef, and Heinie — I want them to experience UBS and Islanders hockey in the playoffs. I want Shaef and Ritch early in their careers to experience that, so they have that drive for the next 10–15 years to get back and know how fun it is. In terms of the moment, both kids are well grounded. There’s not much we have to say. They’ve played great.”
Stefen Rosner: For the group overall, especially after missing last year, what would getting back mean?
Mathew Barzal: “For everyone — I didn’t play all last year, and I don’t take for granted the position we’re in or how much fun it would be to get back in the playoffs and give ourselves a chance at the Stanley Cup.”
Stefen Rosner: Anders Lee is loved here, but you never know what happens, given that he’s a pending UFA. How important is it to give guys like that another run?
Mathew Barzal: “We don’t look at it like that. We have too good a group to let something like that become a focus. That has no impact on our energy or our locker room. We want him back. Everyone loves him, and he’s playing well down the stretch.”
Stefen Rosner: Romanov could be back for the playoffs. How much is that fueling this group?
Mathew Barzal: “That’s in the back of everybody’s mind. We haven’t talked about it much in the room, but I’ve thought about what it would mean to get Romanov back. You see him flying around, the intensity he brings — it would be special to see him suit up again. I know he’d be a complete madman in the playoffs. That’s something I’d like to see.”
Stefen Rosner: Are you able to reflect during the year on how special certain performances have been from certain guys like Schaefer & Sorokin?
Mathew Barzal: “For sure. The year Shaef’s having — and Sorokin too. It doesn’t happen often that your goalie is as good as he’s been this year. He’s always great, but what he’s done this year is incredible. And Shaef — breaking records, the fire he’s lit within the fan base — there’s so much promise. You look at Emil Heineman, on the verge of 20 goals, and Holmstrom, too. A lot of guys have had good years. That’s why it’s important we do everything we can to win, because I feel like the year we’ve had, we deserve it.”
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We were fairly competitive the entire season. Not upset by Schenn, JGP, and Palat they have a role to play going forward. Now incorporate Eklund and George, they are ready, and have Experience playing against men. Stay the course with Patty he simply doesn’t have the horses. Rid the roster of DuClair, Shabonov, Mac, Mayfield, Boqvist, Gatcomb, Soucy, Rittich, Lee (simply age related), Engvall (unless he suddenly found balls at this late stage in life) and Varley (IR rest of contract). That adds up to eight open roster spots basically. Tony D deserves to be D-Man seven. So we have seven spots. Romanov and Plameri will be back, so Five Spots. Looking to Bridgeport can Foudy, Jefferies, Liukas, TIKKANEN help? At least Bridgeport will see meaningful AHL games. Darche has work to do, but has done everything he can with this years team. Personally I would love to see Aitcheson in the lineup next year. If he is ready let him play in NHL until he proves he isn’t ready. RHD is a must, is Darren Raddysh someone Darche likes? Can George or Pelech thrive on the Rightside. Sure things look negative at the moment, but the team can easily be a 100 point team next year. Schaefer, Ritchie, Holmstrom, and Heineman all made significant strides.
Please 🙏 play the young guys ! Stick with the plan!