This season is now Mat Barzal‘s fourth in the NHL, and finally, he seems to be unlocking his full potential as a complete center. With 15 points in 19 games for Barzal, what’s not to be excited about?

Barzal always had a phenomenal playmaking and scoring ability but was never able to become a complete player. He struggled to make smart decisions, as well as playing a strong defensive game. Barry Trotz took it slow with the star player, and after two seasons improving his game, he has looked incredible so far this season.

In Barzal’s rookie season (2017-18), he put up 85 points after playing all 82 games. That was a time period where the Islanders didn’t have much defensive structure. They would end up in a lot of high-scoring games. Barzal’s point totals obviously benefited from the lack of defensive play and offense-only approach.

The next season we knew Mat Barzal’s point totals would drop. Second-year players almost always have a drop in production. He still had good numbers as he scored 18 goals totaling 62 points. Even though his plus-minus also dropped, it’s the coaching and lessons learned that helped Barzal.

In 2019-20 his point totals would have been closer to matching his rookie season. The COVID-19 shutdown caused him to finish the season with 60 points in 68 games. His plus/minus also improved to +5. Barzal still was careless with the puck and tried to do too much in the offensive zone, but the basis of his play in his own zone was better.

After a great performance in the bubble, Mat Barzal needed to be signed to a new contract in the offseason. It took all the way until training camp, but Barzal signed and was ready to go for this season. He opened the season with a fantastic goal after dangling around defenseman Tony DeAngelo. Barzal has had tons of highlight-reel goals so far this season.

He has also back-checked much harder, been great with his stick, and has used the body more. A hit on Sam Reinhart set up a goal vs Buffalo on 2/16. Barzal also used to skate around with the puck for a long time in the offensive zone. This season he has make smarter and quicker passes and starting a lot of give-and-go plays. It has made it easier for him to get open including letting his teammates help him create offense.

Mathew Barzal is the Islanders’ top player and one of the NHL’s rising young stars. Even though he has cooled off as of late, his nine-game point streak was still incredible as he also helped his team to a long point streak. Barzal will look to continue his great play for the rest of this season and his career, now that he has put all of the pieces together.

John Smark