New York Islanders star Mat Barzal departs the team as a result of a mysterious injury

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Tom Banks
November 1, 2024 (2:09 PM)

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The New York Islanders are struggling early this season, and now it appears they'll be without one of their biggest weapons in Mat Barzal.

Through 10 games this season, the New York Islanders have gathered just 8 points with a 3-5-2 mark, and given the star power they've got in net, it's safe to say that it's been a very disappointing start. Now, things are only getting worse for them, as star forward Mat Barzal has now left the team and returned home with an injury, as doctors are working to get a timeframe on his return.

While Barzal has just five points through his team's first 10 games, he represents one of the only explosive offensive players that this team has on their roster, and without him, questions will be asked about this team's ability to compete with the best teams in the NHL. The team currently sits last in the Metropolitan Division, and with three straight losses coming into their road clash with the Buffalo Sabres, things aren't looking good.

There's been no clear indication as to where the injury occurred, but one social media user pointed out this play in their recent loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and given the brutal contact on Barzal, it's hard to disagree that this is likely where the injury occurred. With Barzal in the lineup, the Islanders are a much more dangerous team, but even with him they averaged just 2.10 goals per game, good for 32nd in the entire NHL, and with Lou Lamoriello looking to push for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it's likely that they'll look to add a big-time talent to this lineup.

For now, though, we wait patiently to see the results of Barzal's visit to the doctors, as his return from injury could be the thing that saves New York's season, or if he is out for a long time, it could sink their campaign before it gets going.