It killed Mathew Barzal that he couldn't skate with his Islanders teammates earlier this week.
It killed Mathew Barzal that he couldn't skate with his Islanders teammates earlier this week.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- This week, the New York Islanders had a few tough practices as they prepare for their Stadium Series matchup with the New York Rangers.
While most of the group was practicing the fundamentals on Wednesday before a hard skate session to close out the skate, Mathew Barzal was watching from the stands.
Barzal didn't practice Wednesday due to a minor injury he sustained in the 2-1 shootout loss to the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night.
"I hated watching the boys go through that," Barzal said. "I wish I was out there."
On Thursday, Barzal and his teammates hit the ice outside at MetLife Stadium.
But in an abundance of caution, Barzal got dressed in the full uniform, took the team picture, did a couple of twirls, and then got off the ice before coming back to watch from the bench.
He was back on the ice Friday morning, a full participant at practice.
"It hurt me not to be able to [skate]. I would love to have, and I was jealous," Barzal said. "It was just cool to be with the boys and go outside, feel the air, and see the rink. You can feel how big it is."
It was a tease for Barzal, who now is looking forward to the real deal on Sunday afternoon at 3 PM.
"Yesterday was a little tickle of just how cool it's gonna be," Barzal said following Thursday's practice in which he was a full participant. "Can't wait until the stadium's full. It's gonna be amazing."
"Sometimes you gotta listen to the training staff."