Once John Tavares departed for Toronto via free agency in 2018, the expectation was that Mathew Barzal’s elite playmaking skill would make him the new face of the franchise.
Barzal is the most recognizable Islander, thanks to some highlight-reel goals and two All-Star appearances. His choked-up words and tear-filled eyes in the immediate wake of the Islanders’ playoff elimination to the Lightning in Game 7 of the NHL semifinals spoke volumes for the entire team.
But captain Anders Lee remains the team’s emotional leader. That does not diminish Barzal’s NHL evolution.
"Every year you want to take a step, you want to get better," Barzal said on Sunday as the Islanders conducted their exit interviews.