Mat Barzal isnt hiding frustration as Islanders tinker to end his even-strength goal struggles

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Mat Barzal cut a frustrated figure Tuesday night — not just about the Islanders loss to Anaheim, but about his own struggles to start the season.Barzal’s lack of five-on-five production, with the Islanders’ biggest superstar yet to score an even-strength goal, finally came to a head in the 3-1 loss to the Ducks.Coach Patrick Roy broke up the top line and cycled Barzal through a series of combinations in an attempt to get him going.“My line with Bo [Horvat] and [Simon Holmstrom], I hadn’t scored a five-on-five goal,” Barzal said.“At some point, Patty’s gotta make a change.

I feel like it kind of woke the group up a little bit.”Barzal did indeed end up contributing a power-play goal, but that did not help quell his mood after the game, when he repeated, “It sucks,” twice, and a slamming noise could be heard after he exited the dressing room.Though Anthony Duclair’s absence has not helped matters, the partnership between Barzal and Horvat — which made the Islanders tick last season — has not produced in the same way to start this season.Though the two had enjoyed a 23-16 high-danger chance advantage over 118:40 on the ice together heading into Wednesday’s game against the Blue Jackets, they had just a 49.57 percent shot share and a 50 percent goals share, per Natural Stat Trick.

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By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! A year ago, the Islanders outscored opposing teams 51-35 with Barzal and Horvat on the ice together, with Barzal putting up a point per game for the first time since his Calder Trophy-winning rookie year.“He’s gonna make his plays, he’s gonna get his opportunities,” Horvat said.

“I think he just expects a lot out of himself, as does every...