Islanders send Mat Barzal back home during road trip

The New York Islanders are set to take on the Sabres in Buffalo later tonight, however, they will have to do so without star forward Mat Barzal. The team has announced on Friday morning that Barzal has been sent back to Long Island in order to meet with team doctors after sustaining an upper-body injury during Wednesday’s contest against the Blue Jackets in Columbus.

“A time frame will be announced after he sees team doctors.”

Before the match up against the Jackets, Barzal had voiced his frustration with his club’s lack of success on even-strength goals especially since the Islanders’ biggest superstar has yet to score a five on five goal. In the previous game against the Anaheim Ducks, Barzal ended up contributing a power-play goal in a 3-1 loss, but he remained angry after the game, when he repeated, “It sucks,” twice, and a slamming noise could be heard after he exited the dressing room.

Barzal must now be even more frustrated having injured himself on the road trip.

The Islanders will eventually provide a full update on Barzal’s condition and a possible timeline for his return to action.

The frustration got to the fans upon learning the news of Barzal’s absence with some saying that this was the ultimate blow to the Islanders while others even dare to joke that it was Barzal who decided to leave with no hope left to be a contender this season.