Barzal admits a critical lapse cost his team, but vows to own the mistake and refocus on the ice.
ELMONT, NY -- New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal failed to get back completely on the Chicago Blackhawks' 1-1 tying goal on Tuesday, a mistake that ultimately played a vital role in a 4-3 loss.
On Thursday, Barzal spoke about his mistake.
"Yeah, I just tried to make a play up top," Barzal said. "I shot the one before, so I figured the weak side would be open — and it was. I just needed to make the play or get it deep when I felt pressure. That’s really it.
“On the backcheck… I need to get back harder. I look back and see a 2-on-0, and I took my foot off the gas — just a mental lapse. This time of year, that can’t happen. The goal probably gets prevented if I’m back. That one’s on me — 99%. It sucks because we had momentum. But there’s still a lot of game left, so you move on as quickly as possible and own it."
Here's what head coach Patrick Roy had to say.
Back on Jan. 24 against the Buffalo Sabres, Barzal, along with Anthony Duclair and Anders Lee, failed to get back, leading to the team's third goal against in a 5-0 shutout loss.
Down 3-0 after two, head coach Patrick Roy sat this line for the entirety of the third period. This go-around, Roy allowed Barzal to keep playing.
"I’ve been in this league a while — if we didn’t make mistakes all year, we’d have 150 points. Mistakes happen, but some cost you, and that one did. You take the blame, wear it, and give your best the rest of the game. I wouldn’t feel that way after if I didn’t care — I care about this team and this organization.”
The Islanders and Barzal host the Dallas Stars Thursday night at 7 PM ET.