Was Barry Trotz Right To Sit Mat Barzal?
After a 4-2 loss to the worst team in NHL, Barry Trotz sat Mat Barzal the next game last week. The Islanders lost in a shootout to the Sabres. With the playoffs here, let’s take a look back: was it a good move for Trotz to sit Barzal?
Was It A Wake-Up Call?
Barzal had been in a slump and was losing the puck a lot. Was it a wake-up call? Yes. It definitely was a wake-up call for Barzal.
It sent the message that the playoffs are coming soon and he needs to be ready and play better. That is his wake-up call to step his game up.
Did Barzal sitting wake him up? Yes. But now we need to see if the Islanders’ star player can contribute when it matters most.
Was Barry Displeased With Barzal’s Play?
Although Barzal was in a bit of a slump, I don’t think Trotz was too upset with his play. Even though it hadn’t been showing on the score sheet, Barzal had played really solid.
Barry Trotz also sat Jordan Eberle on Thursday’s game against New Jersey. It seems that Trotz is sitting players to give them rest for the playoffs. He is also giving more time to recently-scratched player Travis Zajac to see if he can breakout and if he is a good fit for the playoffs.
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Did It Cause The Islanders To Lose?
In the game that Mat Barzal sat, the Islanders lost in a shootout. Did not having Barzal play cause them to lose? No.
Maybe the Islanders could have won with him, but the extra point does not matter when health is a priority. The Islanders were already in the playoffs and did not need any more wins.
Was Sitting Barzal The Right Decision?
Benching Barzal was the best decision possible. In a pointless game against the worst team in hockey, you do not want to risk your star player getting hurt. Not only did it protect him, but it also gave him rest and a wake-up call that the playoffs are coming and he needs to step up.
It also allowed the team to play Zajac to see if he fits with the team come playoff time. The team had to find a way to win without Barzal and came very close. Now, we can see what the full rested team can do with Barzal.
