Islanders Morning Skate Updates Ahead of Game vs. Coyotes TEMPE, AZ -- For the third time in his NHL career, New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/kyle-palmieri-new-york-islanders-brock-nelson-pierre-engvall] forward Mathew Barzal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/players/mathew-barzal-new-york-islanders-bo-horvat-lane-lambert-thomas-hickey] has been named an All-Star: With 10 goals and 29 assists in 37 games, Barzal leads the Islanders in points and only trails defenseman Noah Dobson in assists (32). The 26-year-old has been the catalyst for New York, and alongside Bo Horvat, the two have led the way offensively. Their line, alongside Anders Lee, has been on the ice for third-most goals in the league, per Moneypuck.com [https://moneypuck.com/lines.htm]. Barzal's ability to take shots this year, as he's on pace to shatter his career high, has helped every facet of the Islanders' offense, especially on the power play. "It's nice to be selected," Barzal said following the Islanders' 5-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/game-day/new-york-islanders-arizona-coyotes-5-1] Thursday night. "We have some guys on this team that have had great starts, and there could have been a few of us that go, so hopefully, a couple of other boys get voted in. "You're around the best in the game and that's where I want to be." Islanders head coach Lane Lambert is proud of his gifted forward. "I'm very happy for him. We talked this morning about what it means, and when you're an All-Star in the National Hockey League, it's a pretty special thing. And he's a special player." The Vancouver native played in the 2019 and 2020 All-Star Game, beating out Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid to win the fastest skater competition in 2020. If you want to see Dobson in the All-Star Game alongside Barzal, fans have the ability to vote in another 12 players from across the NHL. That link will be shared soon. The All-Star festivities will be a three-day event this season, beginning on Feb 1. with the "NHL All-Star Thursday", followed by the All-Star Skills competition and the All-Star Game.
