LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 11: New York Islanders Winger Mathew Barzal (13) skates in warm ups before a game between the New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings on March 11th, 2024 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Rob Curtis/Icon Sportswire)

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Mat Barzal was ejected after slashing Mason Marchment in retaliation
  • Marchment had hit Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer twice during the game
  • See video of Barzal’s slash and Marchment’s hit on Schaefer below

Mat Barzal wasn’t going to let Mason Marchment take another run at Matthew Schaefer.

The Islanders forward was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets after slashing Marchment following his second hit on New York’s rookie sensation. The retaliation sparked a scrum and left the Islanders without their top center for the rest of the game.

Marchment stuck out his leg and tripped Schaefer in the second period. Barzal responded immediately with a slash to Marchment’s right foot, triggering a fracas between both teams.

Check out the hit and Barzal’s retaliation below:

Video:

Here’s a replay, including a slo-motion look at the slash:

Barzal received a five-minute major and game misconduct for the slash. Marchment got two minutes for tripping. The Blue Jackets ended up with a 4-on-3 power play but didn’t score.

It was Marchment’s second penalty of the game for going after Schaefer. The veteran winger had already served two minutes for roughing the Islanders’ first overall pick in the first period.

Without Barzal, Bo Horvat answered the bell. The Islanders center scored later in the second period to give New York the lead.

Schaefer has been sensational since getting drafted first overall, and opposing teams have noticed. The rookie has exceeded expectations in every way, but that success has made him a target. Marchment took on that role Sunday, though he ended up in the box both times.

There’s been ongoing conversation about the Islanders needing an enforcer to protect Schaefer. Scott Mayfield has done a solid job defending him so far. Anders Lee got involved in the scrum on this play, but Barzal hasn’t typically been the guy dropping the gloves.

Barzal could face supplemental discipline from the Department of Player Safety. He doesn’t have a history with DoPS, which should help his case. But the fact that Marchment didn’t have the puck could be the tiebreaker for a suspension.

The Blue Jackets won the game 4-2 after scoring three goals in the final five minutes.

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