The Elmonters

The Elmonters

Inside The COVID Playoff Bubble: Mathew Barzal's Experience

Mathew Barzal reflects on life inside the NHL playoff bubble, Islanders camaraderie, and the legendary ping-pong tournament during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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Stefen Rosner, David Kolb, and The Elmonters
Feb 09, 2026
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PHOTO: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Over the course of the NHL’s Olympic Break, The Elmonters have some great exclusive interviews lined up.

Our Inside The COVID Playoff Bubble series takes you behind the scenes of what life was like in the Toronto and Edmonton bubbles during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs, in which the Islanders fell to the Tampa Lightning in six games.

Up first is Mathew Barzal, who recorded 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) in 19 games, while also making it to the finals of the famous ping-pong tournament.

Of course, we asked him about it.

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