New York Islanders send All-Star back home due to injury
The New York Islanders announced Friday morning that star forward Mat Barzal is heading back to Long Island to meet with team doctors following an upper-body injury sustained in Wednesday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Barzal will be unavailable for tonight's game against the Buffalo Sabres & a timeline for his return will be given after his evaluation.
Before his injury, Barzal had expressed frustration over the Islanders' struggles to score even-strength goals. Notably, the team's top player has yet to score a five-on-five goal this season. After their recent 3-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, where Barzal managed to contribute a power-play goal, he didn't hide his frustration. «It sucks,» he repeated to reporters after the game, and a loud slam could be heard as he left the dressing room.
This setback is likely another source of frustration for Barzal who is a crucial part of the Islanders offense. Fans have had mixed reactions to the news of his absence. While many feel this is a major blow to the team's already struggling season, others have even joked that Barzal left because he's losing hope in the Islanders' playoff chances.
The Islanders will provide a full update on Barzal's condition and a possible return date after his evaluation. For now, the team will have to face the Sabres without him as they wait for word on their star's recovery.
