COLUMBUS, Ohio — In a sequence that the NHL will likely look into this week for potential discipline, New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal took a two-handed chop to Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Mason Marchment on Sunday night.
In Columbus’ 4-2 victory at Nationwide Arena, Marchment was called for a tripping penalty when he dropped New York rookie Matthew Schaefer in the second period in what appeared to be a knee-on-knee hit.
Barzal’s slash appeared to be in reaction to Marchment’s trip. Islanders coach Patrick Roy was asked about the sequence in his postgame media availability.
“Well, we thought it was a knee,” Roy said of Marchment’s hit on Schaefer. “And then, we’re never going to blame a teammate for going to try and defend a teammate.”
Schaefer, 18, this year’s No. 1 pick, is in the midst of a standout season for New York. He has nine goals and 24 points, while averaging 23:45 time on the ice.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
