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COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Islanders had no inclination to scold Mat Barzal after he was tossed from Sunday’s loss to the Blue Jackets for swinging his stick at Mason Marchment’s legs. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Barzal’s teammates, as well as coach Patrick Roy, uniformly backed him for standing up for rookie Matthew Schaefer following the 4-2 defeat. Marchment had gotten a roughing penalty for a late hit on Schaefer in the first period and stuck his knee out, tripping the rookie, immediately prior to Barzal taking a hack at him.
“I think he’s pissed off, felt it was a dirty play on Schaef,” Adam Pelech told The Post. “We’re all with Barzy, obviously.”
It would be of little surprise if Barzal receives supplemental discipline in addition to the game misconduct he got Sunday. That could come in the form of a fine and/or suspension.
Linesman Andrew Smith #51 skates Mathew Barzal #13 of the Islanders to the penalty box after being called for slashing on Mason Marchment #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena on December 28, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Getty ImagesIf so, the Islanders will take it in stride.
“We thought it was a knee on Schaef,” Roy said. “We’re never gonna blame a teammate going and trying to defend a teammate.”
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It’s been a handful of weeks since an opposing player took liberties with the 18-year-old Schaefer, but the Islanders response has been consistent all season whenever anyone has. They want to protect their first overall pick, and that is the end of it.
“Schaef’s Schaef. You gotta stand up for him,” Kyle MacLean said. “He’s a young guy, one of your best players. So there’s ways to go about things, but it’s good to see Barzy do something. We got his back there. It’s a penalty we’ll kill, I think. So it’s good to see.”
Mathew Barzal #13 of the New York Islanders skates with the puck against Damon Severson #78 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at Nationwide Arena on December 28, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. Getty ImagesSchaefer was effusive in his praise of Barzal.
“He’s a great guy,” No. 48 said. “On and off the ice, he’s a great guy and a great leader, too. Obviously thanks [to him] for doing that right there. That just shows, an older guy helping me out there, just like everyone else.”
Cal Ritchie drew out as a healthy scratch for the first time this season, with Anthony Duclair rejoining the lineup.
David Rittich started in net for a second straight day, stopping 30 of 33 shots.
Roy said Ilya Sorokin (lower body) will skate Monday but had “no idea” about his status for Tuesday’s game against the Blackhawks.
The Islanders waived defenseman Ethan Bear, who had been on injured reserve since September. It is likely a sign Bear is close to returning, and if he clears, he’ll likely be assigned to AHL Bridgeport.
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