Mat Barzal Caught On Camera Blasting Islanders Fans To His Teammates On The Bench
Mat Barzal might be in some hot water with Islanders fans following last night's game, as he was caught on camera muttering some negative words about the crowd.
The Islanders defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY last night, ending Columbus's fabulous seven-game point streak at 6-0-1.
Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat paced the Islanders with two points each, creating chances all night, but especially Barzal, who was brilliant all night long.
«I thought we were outstanding,» Islanders head coach Patrick Roy said. «I think we dominated that puck possession battle, no doubt in my mind. I mean, Barzal and Horvat were so good with it. They were controlling the puck very well. They were dangerous. It was a solid performance by these two guys.»
Yet, even with tonight's win, the Islanders sit in a precarious position, last in the NHL's Metropolitan Division and seven points off of a Wild Card playoff spot.
It's win every game from here on in, but does anyone on Long Island even care about this team? Based on the attendance, probably not.
The Islanders rank 28th in league attendance, averaging 15,810 fans per game. Only Anaheim, Winnipeg, San Jose, and Utah are worse. Those teams, though, all play in smaller buildings.
Worst of all, the Islanders have suffered one of the most drastic drops in hockey compared to last season, behind only Pittsburgh.
The energy in UBS Arena has gone stale, and with a Monday night matchup against the Blue Jackets, a full house was hardly expected. The nonsupport is noticed, again, even by the players on the ice.
Mat Barzal calls out fans for the low attendance at the game
To add flair to the situation, as usual, Barzal's passion during the game suggests his frustration is emblematic of a disenchanted fanbase.
It's time for change on Long Island, but precisely where that change needs to come, performance, engagement, or somewhere deeper, is what remains in question.
MUST READ
TRENDING NOW
