Mat Barzal’s flagging play comes at worst possible time for Islanders

Mathew BarzalPHILADELPHIA — Having to hear these difficult statements is the plight of the superstar. This is what Mat Barzal is going to deal with for as long as he retains that description, especially in this town.

The Islanders’ 21-year-old wunderkind hasn’t been good enough.

As the games for the Islanders start to really matter for the first time in a while, Barzal has reverted back to playing reckless and immature. Of course, the horrid two-game losing streak with a combined score of 9-0 that the team brings down for Saturday’s matinee against the Flyers is hardly all his fault. But if he wants to be the face of the franchise, if he wants to have one of those careers built on stepping up…