Cameras catch Mat Barzal slamming the Islanders and their fans

The New York Islanders managed to put a halt to the Columbus Blue Jackets' miraculous seven game point streak (6-0-1) with a 3-1 victory at UBS Arena in Elmont, NY last night.

Forwards Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat each had two points and looked dangerous 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.”

Barzal, in particular was fantastic all game.

“It's just a matter of getting open for Barzal, and he finds me," Horvat said following the game. "And thankfully they were hitting the back of the net for me tonight. In previous games where we've been together they haven't been. He's been great all year. They’re finally starting to go in.”

The Islanders are dead last in the NHL's Metropolitan Division and are seven points out of a Wild Card playoff spot, so every point counts right now. 

“It’s just one of those desperate times of the year where we've got to win,” Barzal said. “You see that everyone is playing hard.”

It's clear that Barzal cares, but you have to really wonder if Islanders fans care all that much. In fact, Barzal unknowingly let us all know that he has the same thoughts. Do Islanders fans care? Because they're certainly not showing up to show their support at UBS Arena.

Check out cameras catching Barzal saying:

“This place is fucking empty. Fucking empty. Fucking joke bro.”

- Mat Barzal

The Islanders are averaging 15,810 fans per game, for 28th out of 32 NHL teams. Yikes...

Only the Anaheim Ducks, Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks and Utah Hockey Club have lower attendance than the Islanders, but it's worth noting that each of those teams have a lower seating capacity than the Islanders. Also, aside from the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Islanders have the highest drop off in attendance from last season.

One thing's clear, things are stale in Long Island. I gotta be honest that I don't blame Islanders not showing up in droves for a Monday night game against the Columbus Blue Jackets of all teams, but it's getting to the point now where the players on the ice are now acutely aware of what's going on in the stands.

It's also worth noting that NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has linked the Islanders to the Vancouver Canucks in JT Miller trade talks. Could we see Barzal return to his native province of British Columbia in a potential blockbuster deal? He certainly wouldn't be complaining about fan involvement if that were to happen...