Mathew Barzal Continues To Lead Islanders To Postseason Hope

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has been on a tear over his last 14 games.

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has been on fire in the offensive zone the entire season.

In the first of an eight-year extension worth $9.15 million annually, the 26-year-old center-turned-left winger is in the midst of would will likely be a career season

Barzal's on pace to finish with over 86 points, with 17 goals and 44 assists for 61 points in 57 games. 

He's just five goals shy of his career-high (22), which he set during his Calder-winning 2017-18 campaign. 

It's crunch time for New York as they try to push for the playoffs, and despite the inconsistencies, Barzal has done what he can to turn a playoff dream into a reality. 

In the last 14 games, Barzal has scored five goals and tallied 11 assists, totaling 16 points during that stretch.

Four of those points have come on the power play:

Barzal was tremendous in the Islanders' 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars on Monday night, which included a fantastic all-around shift in overtime

He remained strong with the puck on his stick, created movement, and then beautifully set up Bo Horvat, who ripped it into the back of the net for the game-winner:

The success Barzal has recorded during these last 14 games becomes more impressive when you factor in the different linemates he has had alongside his center, Horvat.

Pierre Engvall and Anders Lee have both spent time on the top line before Brock Nelson most recently got the nod for the top-line left wing. 

Nelson's move created a first line with three natural centers:

Barzal has been a more active player under Patrick Roy, and that fire has translated to offensive production at a time when the Islanders need it.

New York currently sits eight points out of a wild card spot and five points behind the Philadelphia Flyers for third place in the Metropolitan Division.

They'll battle the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday night at 7 PM ET.