Mathew Barzal Scratched for Tonight's Game

The New York Islanders will face the Carolina Hurricanes without star player Mathew Barzal, who has been scratched for the home game due to a late arrival to the morning skate. Head coach Patrick Roy confirmed the news to reporters on Thursday.

"He was late this morning here," Roy stated, emphasizing the importance of team culture and discipline. "So that's the culture of our team and we made the decision to not play him tonight. Barzy doesn't feel good about it but you respect the decision. He understands it. He was really good about it."

Roy reassured fans that there are no negative feelings towards Barzal from the team. "Absolutely no one here is mad at Barzy. It's just the culture that we put in place. We're a team. We stick together," he added.

Barzal, who is in his 10th season with the Isles, has been a key player, serving as the second-line center. He has made a solid start to the 2025-26 season, recording eight points, including two goals and six assists, in his first nine games.

Fans will be eager to see how the team performs without their star player tonight against a tough opponent in the Hurricanes.