Good Morning, Islanders Country.
Mathew Barzal wants to be great, and his greatness was on display in O.T. during a spectacular closing shift that showcased all his usual skills with a little bit of extra tenacity and determination that made all the difference.
"Just that instant of being in a desperate hockey game, having a 50/50 puck there in overtime, down in the corner, and I wanted to win that battle,” said Barzal about his work prior to setting up Bo Horvat’s game-winner.
The 26-year-old has reached another level this season. Already a three-time All-Star, he’s pushing to reach superstar status and is the unquestioned face of the Islanders franchise and emerging as a leader on the team this season.
Patrick Roy desperately needed the progress he’s been seeing turn into a winning result in order to breathe some life into the final quarter of the season. “We played against a very good hockey team,” said Roy after the game. “They're first in their division, they're a fast team, and it was a good road game. It's not an easy building to play in, so I was very happy.”
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