BUFFALO – <a href="http://www.world-today-news.com/nhl-new-york-islanders-push-washington-capitals/" title="NHL: New York Islanders push Washington Capitals”>Mathew Barzal returned to Long Island to meet with New York Islanders doctors after the forward suffered an upper-body injury in a 2-0 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Wednesday.
Barzal will therefore not be in uniform against the Buffalo Sabers on Friday (7 p.m. ET; MSGSN, MSG-B, SNP, SNO, SNE), and no timetable has been given for his return.
“It’s disappointing, and it’s not ideal,” admitted forward Bo Horvat. This isn’t the first time players have fallen in battle, however, and other players have taken their game up a notch. It’s exactly the same thing today. We know there are players in this locker room who can get the job done. »
The Islanders (3-5-2) have suffered three defeats in a row and occupy last place in the Metropolitan section. Their 21 goals represent the lowest total in the NHL.
Barzal has five points (two goals, three assists) in 10 games, but none of those points have come at 5-on-5.
Regardless of his offensive woes, losing a player of Barzal’s caliber for an extended period of time can be difficult.
“It’s definitely difficult to see him fall in battle,” admitted forward Casey Cizikas. It will be up to the next player to take over. We need everyone to work together. We need to see everyone step their game up a notch. That’s what matters most right now. We have big shoes to fill, and this is a good test for our group. We will see how we will respond. »
During the loss to the Blue Jackets, the Islanders were shut out for the fourth time in their first 10 games, a first in team history.
The Islanders are also without forward Anthony Duclair, who was placed on the long-term injured list with a lower-body injury suffered on Oct. 19. He is expected to be out for a period of four to six weeks.
Duclair had three points (two goals, one assist) in five games.
