Why is New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal not suspended after slashing opponent Mason Marchment?

In a shocking incident, New York Islander’s key player, Mathew Barzal, has been grabbing headlines for all the wrong reasons, as he has been fined by the NHL due to a possible misconduct on the ice. As per reports, New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has been fined $5,000, which is the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The main reason behind the fine imposed on the forward is due to slashing his opponent, Mason Marchment. The incident occurred during NHL Game No. 603 in Columbus on December 28, when the Islanders locked horns with the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the latter won the match by 4-2 at Nationwide Arena on Sunday.

As reported by the NHL, the Islanders forward Mathew Barzal was issued a major penalty and an ejection for a slash on Marchment, while defenseman Adam Pelech was issued a minor penalty six seconds later for tripping.

Islanders forward Mathew Barzal issued a major penalty for attacking Blue Jackets opponent Mason Marchment

New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has been fined $5,000 by the Department of Player Safety for slashing Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mason Marchment at the 1:37 mark of the second period during the New York Islanders versus Columbus Blue Jackets match. According to reports, Barzal has never been suspended but has received fines on three separate occasions. The fact that he was given the boot so early in the second likely played a part.

NHL Player Safety also stated the same on Twitter. They posted, “NY Islanders’ Mathew Barzal has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for slashing Columbus’ Mason Marchment.”

After the incident, Barzal missed the final 38:26 after being hit with a five-minute slashing major and game misconduct, which led the NHL Player Safety Department not to suspend him.



Meanwhile, the Islanders have defended Barzal after the game, saying they felt Marchment had gone over the line in sticking a knee out to trip Matthew Schaefer and were happy to see Barzal stand up for the rookie.

Even Marchment admitted to reporters in the Blue Jackets dressing room that he had perhaps taken things a bit far. He stated, “I’m kind of used to it by now, it’s part of my game to try to get in the other teams’ heads a little bit.” Marchment further added, “I was never trying to hurt him there in the middle, just get in his way. Probably not smart by me.”

Reports suggest that the fine will now go to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. Moreover, Barzal and the Islanders will next be seen against the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday at 8:30 PM ET.

Also read: NHL Injury Update: St. Louis Blues to face massive setback as forward Pius Suter to remain away for four weeks