Islanders In January & February Despite being named the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-patrick-roy-report-benoit-desrosiers-coaching-staff-olympiques] All-Star, Mathew Barzal [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/mathew-barzal-patrick-roy-new-york-islanders-barry-trotz] wasn't selected by the NHL nor voted in by the fans to compete in the 2024 NHL All-Star Skills competition this upcoming Friday. It was an odd decision, as back in 2020, Barzal beat out Edmonton Oilers forward, superstar elite Connor McDavid in the Fastest Skater competition [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii7iRS3DfGk[/embed] But, with New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes unable to participate in the All-Star festivities due to an upper-body injury sustained on Jan. 5, the NHL has announced that Barzal will take his place in the Skills Competition. As of this time, we are not sure what event Barzal will be skating in, but one would think he would get another chance to show off his wheels. The NHL Skills Competition will begin Friday night at 7 PM ET on ESPN.
