Mathew Barzal’s injury concerns cast a shadow over the New York Islanders’ upcoming season. Will the star forward’s skating ability still electrify the power play?
Gil Martin dissects Barzal’s recent comments and analyzes their implications for the team’s performance. The discussion shifts to under-the-radar offseason moves, spotlighting Emil Heineman and Maxim Shabanov as potential game-changers. Martin also critiques the Islanders’ absence from rookie tournaments and reflects on Andrew MacDonald’s career on his birthday.
Tune in for expert insights on the Islanders’ roster decisions and their impact on the team’s future. Can these strategic moves propel New York to new heights in the NHL?
All this and more on today’s Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin.
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16 Comments
Barzy giving us Rick Dipetro type confidence
Heinerman sounds like a young, maybe better Clutterbuck
I hadn’t heard those comments. He’s basically saying that he’s going to manage a permanently damaged knee for the remaining years of his contract and then he’s probably done. Not good. If that is the case then I’m for tanking and getting another high pick this time a forward. This is the time to do it.
I think anyone who’s ever had a knee injury before understands exactly what Barzal is saying. I had an knee injury about six years ago and my knee never feels 100% but it doesn’t mean that I’m not doing everything I’ve done before the knee injury still he’ll still be capable of doing what he’s done in the past, he’s just gonna need a little more ice now.
I took a slapshot off the kneecap in Midget hockey; blocked it; sucked it up for a breakaway of which I just shot it into the goalies crest… Err! Ended up at the bench and with a divit in my kneecap for the next ten or fifteen years.. I Didn't see a doctor just added 4" foam behind the knee pad making it a pillow as it wasn't going to stop me… But later in life, espacially as a laborer… thats where the joy of hockey dulled the pain, where kneeling down or doing work on the knees I'm crippled and have to bum hop… Like changing a tire on the truck; not on my knees!
GM Gil! Hopefully Barzal will return with minimal effect from the knee! Hopefully Shabby is not so Shabby! lol 😝! But as for him playing with Barzal I only see that on the PP. Shabby will be fighting the Duke for that position! I would like to see JGP center the 2 Russians on the 3 rd line! Can’t wait for Heineman! Hoping to see him with Gatcomb and Zeeks on line 4 which would be a very exciting new identity line. Expecting Barzal to play with Lee and Palms… Barzal will have to make up for the 2 older slow players. Then eager to see Drouin with Horvat and Holmstrom! If Ritchie is ready that will put JGP and Zeeks on high level trade alert 🚨. Excited to see the young guys fight for positions. Let’s Go Islanders!
13 needs those wheels. his wheels are his game. what if this becomes a chronic problem or needs surgery in the future? some guys have to change their game and adjust. can 13 adjust when his wheels are his game or lose effectiveness?
isles haven't played in rookie gams tourneys since 2018? shocking, the louzer curse continues. isles so-lacking so behind the times its nauseating. no wonder development sucks. at least aichenson is playing in ohl pre-season games committing bone head hits to the head penalties so he is clearly learning and developing.
its one thing to compile prospects into a top 10 system. if isles can develop those prospects without failure will be the true story going forward.
Say it, Gil. Without his elite level skating ability, Mat Barzal is basically Anthony Beauvillier
It could have a silver lining. He may do less himself and start to use his linemates more effectively.
I like the comments from Barzal. It shows a level of maturity to come to the realization that you are not the spotlight player and to accept your role as a piece of the bigger picture. Let's face facts…Barzal was never going to be a 30 goal scoring 100 point player…As the Islanders find their way into an offensive structure without a star forward, they need everyone pulling on the rope at the same time. This team has to have contributions from all 12 forwards..every night..to have any hope of competing.
he will not be the same player any more. that is too bad, I think you will see this early in the season. I also do not think that the other Matthew will not have an injury free season, all it take is a hit against the boards….good luck to both…
Barzy is not a baby anymore. He will be sore after a recovery. How can he expect it back to pre shattering your knee. I'm confident he'll be himself and we'll be fine
Let's all pray that Mathew Barzal doesn't pull a Peter "James" Bond, and become a victim of spontaneous combustion. Break like the wind and turn your amp up to eeee leven (11).
Gil, somebody made an obnoxious comment about your delivery and background last week. Your delivery and background is fine. I come here to listen to your analysis and breaking Islanders news. Don't change babe. You're fine the way you are.
Hi Gil.
The only reason I could see not participating in the rookie games maybe they are afraid of injuries. I think your correct they should be playing. Barzal without speed is like a pizza without cheese not good.Hope he is ok.
Barzy does like to skate like a madman and then slam on the breaks. That might have to change.