Drummer Boy: Islanders Barzal named NHL’s second star of the week

Like finding an extra present under the tree or getting truly surprised by a great gift you never saw coming, Islanders rookie Mathew Barzal has been named the NHL’s second star of the week.

In three games this week, the 20-year-old had six points (four goals, two assists), including his first career hat trick in the Islanders 5-2 win over Winnipeg on Saturday. Not only does Barzal lead all NHL rookies in scoring with 35 points (12g, 23a), but he’s now in the top 20 among all players in the entire league.

Roll that beautiful Barzal footage:

Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask was the first star of the Week and Panthers netminder James Reimer was third. Barzal is the third Islander to receive star of the week honors this season. Josh Bailey was named third star last week and second star back on November 6th, and captain John Tavares was named fiirst star on October 30th after scoring hat tricks in back-to-back games. The linemates are tied for second in the league in scoring with 41 points apiece. Anders Lee, currently third in the NHL in goals, probably deserved a star of the week nod by now, but his time will have to wait.

There’s been a lot to complain about regarding the Islanders, whose season outcome is still very much up in the air. But the high points - including the first real season of the Full Barzal Experience - have been spectacular.

Everytime he’s on the ice, it’s Get Up Out of Your Seat time. Hope Santa brings young Mathew something nice this week.