New York islanders All-Star Mathew Barzal addressed the controversy surrounding his ejection for the first time Tuesday, speaking candidly about the moment that led to a five-minute major, a game misconduct, and a $5,000 fine — and why he would still choose to stand up for his teammate.
Barzal will be back in the Islanders’ lineup on the top line with Bo Horvat against Chicago after avoiding a suspension for his retaliatory slash on Columbus forward Mason Marchment on Sunday. The incident occurred after Marchment took two hard runs at rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, including a tripping play Barzal believed crossed the line.