BARZILLION REASONS TO BE EXCITED: Mathew Barzal Goal Leads to Isles Offensive Explosion

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Mathew Barzal still hadn’t seen a clip of the eye-popping goal he scored on Saturday when MSG Network’s Shannon Hogan had asked him to rank it after the game. The Islanders star took a deep breath before saying he’d likely put it at the top, but that he’d need to go back and watch it.

“Don’t worry you will see it all over social media,” the beloved Islanders TV reporter answered back.

There’s no doubt Mathew Barzal will have little trouble trying to find a clip of the play to watch. The goal 3:51 into the second period helped spur the Islanders to a 5-2 win over Buffalo and extend their control of the East Division.

Mathew Barzal masterfully got by defenseman Rasmus Ristolaomem to reach the front of the net and then maneuvered the puck on his stick in a way that only a wizard might be able. All of that occurred before he put the puck through his legs and then past Carter Hutton.

“There’s a lot of instincts and just kind of being in the moment and just reacting,” Barzal said about the play.

While the flash and style of the goal was something to behold, more importantly, what it did was help jumpstart the Islanders after a slower start to the game than they would have liked. The team pushed back on the idea that they had a sluggish start, but regardless the goal from Barzal kicked off an offensive firestorm.

WATCH: Mathew Barzal Posterizes the Buffalo Sabres During Tying Goal

It was less than two minutes later that Nelson gave the Islanders the lead.

“These are hard games. These are playoff games every night,” Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said. “It does muster a lot for players, but events can help. But it comes internally with players. We have a real good locker room and obviously when a guy like Barzy scores a big goal. I thought Scotty Mayfield scored a real big goal for us tonight off a hard work goal.”

The Islanders did successfully have contributions from up and down the lineup, but what helped get them to that point was the play of Barzal at that moment.

“Pretty nice goal I have to say,” Cal Clutterbuck said. “He’s got special ability that’s for sure. Just an all-encompassing goal. A lot of speed, great edgework, great awareness in tight on the goalie. Just a great goal and it gives us a goal and draws us even. Allows us to play our game.”