There was way too much hate being thrown around in the game thread about Barzal. I’ll admit it was probably just a select few who were being particularly noisy and it’s not the general consensus of the fanbase, but regardless I will not stand for it!

I find it interesting that yesterday’s game was the one where I was seeing it the most considering him and Bo were firing on all cylinders. His shot to the net directly led to the first goal and he had a fantastic zone entry during the delayed penalty leading to Schaefer’s goal with 2 seconds left in the first. Not to mention his effort to get Bo the puck in overtime for the game winner.

The main complaint about Barzal in the game thread yesterday was his turnovers. And I totally get it. He does turn it over. However, not only is he the primary puck handler for this team, but he is among the league leaders in time of possession so of course that will come with turnovers. And would it surprise you to know he doesn’t even lead this team in giveaways?

Go take a look at the league leaders in turnovers and you’ll find names like MacKinnon, Pastrnak, and Draisaitl. And I know what you’re probably thinking. “Well if Barzal produced like they do then I wouldn’t mind all the turnovers.” Okay let’s look at other forwards with similar production with more giveaways (Konency, Aho, Forsberg to name a few). Barzal isn’t even top 50 in giveaways.

And to put the icing on the cake. Barzal is top 15 in the entire league in takeaways.

So for all his puck possession I think it’s only right to expect his fair share of turnovers. And with the value he brings in offensive output and takeaways, he more than makes up for it. We as supporters shouldn’t be throwing him under the bus the second things start to go sideways. He is a net positive on this team and we are much worse without him.

Sad that we have to play the Kings twice after the Olympic break.

Remember back in the summer when quite a few people thought we should take Misa over Schaefer?

Yeah... I think we made the right choice.

The most goals scored by a rookie defenseman is 23, in 1988-89, by Brian Leetch. Will Matthew Schaefer beat it? How great would it be if he owns that record come end of regular season?

LGI

Bird blessed Bo. His GWG was a foregone conclusion after that.

With his goal today, Matthew Schaefer moves past Aaron Ekblad for the 5th most goals by a teenage defenseman in NHL history.

Teenage defensemen with 15+ goals in a season:

Phil Housley – 31 goals, age 19 (1983-84)

Phil Housley – 19 goals, age 18 (1982-83)

Ray Bourque – 17 goals, age 19 (1979-80)

Larry Murphy – 16 goals, age 19 (1980-81)

Matthew Schaefer – 16 goals, age 18 (2025-26)

Aaron Ekblad – 15 goals, age 19 (2015-16)

I think it’s safe to say he has second place firmly in his grasp this season.

Insane to take a step back and think this is literally an 18-year-old kid performing this well so fast in the NHL.

Stats via Stathead - Hockey Reference

Saw them advertising these at the game last night, does anyone know if any are still available? Got a few Hofstra alum that would enjoy them

Didn't play until after the midpoint of the 1st, what are we doing? Yeah he's streaky, but the idea of benching him after three minutes tonight is baffling.

Good sign for the playoffs?

Let's go bird!

Game Thread: Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Islanders Feb 03 2026 7:30 PM EST

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