UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - JUNE 17: Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period in Game Three of the Stanley Cup Semifinals during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nassau Coliseum on June 17, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Mathew Barzal was coming off a solid bubble for the New York Islanders heading into the 2021 season. Expectations were high for him as he had 17 points (5 goals, 12 assists) in 22 playoff games.
But 2021 was a streaky year for Mat Barzal.