Historic night for Barzal creates big gap in rookie scoring race
Mathew Barzal continues to make a strong case to be named the best rookie in the NHL this season.
The New York Islanders forward registered five assists in a 7-6 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday, giving him 58 points in 56 games. That puts him 11 points ahead of Vancouver's Brock Boeser, who's currently sidelined with a hand injury.
With the performance, Barzal became the first rookie in 100 years to record three five-point games in a single season.
Let’s talk about @Barzal_97...
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 10, 2018
Per Elias: Barzy became the first rookie since the 1917-18 season to record three 5-point nights in a single season.
THIS GUY 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/7Z8y0y4vIU
Three of his assists came on a five-minute man advantage in the third period, while the fifth and final helper set up Brock Nelson's overtime winner.
Related: Islanders explode for 4 goals on same 5-minute power play
Barzal now has 16 goals and 42 assists on the season, putting him within 10 points of the NHL lead and among the likes of Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and teammate John Tavares.