Mathew Barzal went from an off night to a night off.
Coach Barry Trotz indicated he wanted to rest some of his regulars before the playoffs began. But, clearly, he also wanted to send a message after a dispassionate loss to the NHL-worst Sabres on Monday night.
Sitting his top-line center, was an attention getter.
The Islanders took a season-high 48 shots but Trotz still didn’t get the response he wanted. Loose defensive play and puck management in the third period led to a second straight blown two-goal lead against the Sabres and the Islanders lost a 4-3 shootout on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center.