Mat Barzal Will Be X-Factor For Islanders In Game 6
Eye injuries are nothing to joke about. When Mat Barzal took a skate to his face and exited a crucial Game 5, his status for the Islanders was immediately in doubt.
The Islanders will be counting on their star center in Game 6, hoping he can return and lead his team to the Eastern Conference Final for the first time in almost 30 years. Without him, their chances are hindered.
Replacements for Mat Barzal
J.G. Pageau would most likely move up to the top line with Anders Lee and Jordan Eberle, while a depth forward like Tom Kuhnhackl or Ross Johnston would replace Pageau on the third line. Derick Brassard could shift to center.
“We only had a few shifts together but they’re similar players, they’re quick through the middle,” said Jordan Eberle when asked about playing with Pageau. “[Pageau] is a great faceoff guy, he’s responsible in his own end. He’s been a great addition to our team. You look at the depth throughout our lineup, guys go down, guys step up and that’s what we’ve done for the most part all year.”
The Islanders have a next-man up mentality that has helped them since Barry Trotz has taken over as head coach. They have experience dealing with injuries, as Johnny Boychuk, Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck and Adam Pelech all missed time this season, and the team looked good after Barzal went down in Game 5.
“I thought we responded pretty well with him out,” Trotz said. “Obviously, we worked our way back into that game.”
The Kevin Hayes Factor
With or without Barzal, the Islanders will need to control Kevin Hayes if they want to win this series. He had three individual high-danger shot attempts and a game-high six shots on goal in Game 5. Not to mention, he nearly scored on two separate wraparound chances and has 11 points thus far in the postseason.
Down the middle, the Islanders are strong, headlining Barzal, Brock Nelson, Pageau and Casey Cizikas. However, the Flyers are strong down the middle as well.
Therefore, Mat Barzal will be a huge x-factor in Game 6 and all eyes will be on his status as the day progresess.
