Islanders' Mathew Barzal (13) and teammates celebrate his goal against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, rear, during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Photo Credit: AP/JOHN WOODS
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — A dominant offensive player and a hot goalie go a long way in hockey.
Long enough for the Islanders to win a game that was, at least through the first 30 minutes, played looser defensively than the final score indicated.
Mathew Barzal, his lip swelled after an uncalled high-stick from Adam Lowry, scored twice and Semyon Varlamov made 32 saves in his best performance as an Islander in Thursday night’s 3-1 win over the Jets at Bell MTS Place to open a two-game road trip.