"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. "Earlier in the game, he took a run at Schaef and I thought it was high," Barzal said after Tuesday's morning skate. "On the second play, I look back and I see Schaef on the ground and the same guy seems to be the culprit. It was a split-second decision.""
"Barzal acknowledged the severity of his response, swinging his stick in frustration, but emphasized that his intent was not to injure. "I didn't go after a knee or a wrist," he said. "Any time you get kicked out, maybe you're thinking it could come. I personally thought they made the right call.""
Mathew Barzal received a five-minute major, a game misconduct, and a $5,000 fine for a retaliatory slash on Mason Marchment after Marchment delivered two hard hits on rookie Matthew Schaefer. Barzal described the decision as a split-second reaction after seeing Schaefer on the ice following a play he believed crossed the line. Barzal emphasized that he did not intend to injure Marchment and accepted the officials' ruling. The NHL issued only a fine, noting Marchment returned and was not injured, allowing Barzal to rejoin the Islanders' top line with Bo Horvat. The Islanders expressed collective support for defending the young defenseman.
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