ESPN.com · Oct 30, 2025
Islanders' Patrick Roy benches tardy Mathew Barzal vs. Canes
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New York Islanders star Mathew Barzal did not play at the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night for disciplinary reasons, coach Patrick Roy announced.
Roy said Barzal was late to the rink in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Thursday morning. He said the center will be back in the lineup for Friday night's game at the Washington Capitals.
"That's the culture of our team. We made the decision to not play him tonight," Roy said before the game. "Barzy doesn't feel good about it, but you respect the decision. He understands it. He was really good about it."