New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal, who has more career points against the New York Rangers than any other team, will pay the price for being late to the team’s morning skate by being a healthy scratch for their game at the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night.
Coach Patrick Roy said the disciplinary move will last only one game and that the speedy center will be back in the lineup when the Islanders visit the Washington Capitals on Friday. Roy also said the team would likely make pre-game moves to add another forward. Barzal did take part in the morning skate, but Erik Heineman took his place on the top power-play unit.