Overview
- Coach Patrick Roy said Barzal was a healthy scratch for the game at Carolina after arriving late to the rink Thursday morning.
- Roy emphasized the decision reflects an organizational policy on punctuality and noted he faced similar discipline during his Colorado days.
- Barzal is expected back in the lineup Friday against the Capitals with what Roy described as a clean slate.
- Rookie Cal Ritchie is expected to make his Islanders debut in Barzal’s spot, according to NHL insider reporting.
- Barzal has two goals and six assists through nine games this season and carries an $9.15 million cap hit in the third year of his eight-year deal.