Islanders Practice: Mathew Barzal Earns First Star Honors from NHL for Impressive Week

Mathew Barzal was recognized by the NHL for the impressive week that he had with the first star of the week honors, which were announced Monday afternoon by the league.

Barzal had seven points (three goals, four assists) over three games, which included a hat trick against the Washington Capitals and scoring the shootout winner over the Philadelphia Flyers. Barzal also finished Thursday’s win over Washington with five points on the scoresheet.

“I wouldn’t say that I dwell on it for a bit, but it is nice to be recognized I guess for having a good week,” Barzal said of the league honors. “Every week I get to see on Instagram or Twitter the three stars of the week and their highlights. I haven’t been the first star in my career so it’s kind of cool for a bit here. It’s nothing crazy, but it’s a nice feather in the cap I guess.

The honors come in the middle of a season that has seen Mathews Barzal create many memorable moments over the course of the 38 games that New York has played. Thursday’s hat trick game included Barzal’s latest highlight-reel-worthy goal in addition to him recording the third three-goal night of his career.

Mathew Barzal went end to end on the rush to give the Islanders a 2-1 lead after weaving through four Washington Players. The goal didn’t create as much fanfare as some of his previous goals this season.

The 23-year-old star currently leads the Islanders in points with 34 this season through 38 games and his 13 goals are tied for the team lead.

Johnston, Dal Colle Back on the Ice

Ross Johnston was back in his spot on the Islanders’ third line during practice on Monday after leaving Saturday’s win over the Philadelphia Flyers early. Johnston went toe-to-toe with Samuel Morin less than three minutes into the game and did not return to the ice after the fight.

It did not seem as though Islanders head coach Barry Trotz was concerned about any long-term injuries to Johnston relating to the heavyweight bout with Morin.

Michael Dal Colle and Anders Lee remained the only two skaters who did not participate in practice. Lee is out for the season with an ACL injury, but Dal Colle has begun skating again on his own.

Trotz said that he is still “getting up to speed” and that Dal Colle would miss his fifth consecutive game with a lower-body injury.