Mathew Barzal of the Islanders shoots against Carter Hart of the Flyers during their game at Nassau Coliseum on March 20. Credit: Getty Images/Al Bello
Barry Trotz dislikes putting definitive designations on his forward combinations as the Islanders coach emphasizes four-line balance. Still, there’s no debate Mathew Barzal is counted upon to be the No. 1 center and, therefore, Jordan Eberle is the top-line right wing.
But the trio has been in flux since captain Anders Lee suffered a season-ending, torn right anterior cruciate ligament on March 11. Rookie sharpshooter Kieffer Bellows played four games on Barzal’s left wing before grinder Leo Komarov was given an audition.