Three key matchups for Game 6 between New York Islanders, Boston Bruins

2. Mathew Barzal Vs. Charlie McAvoy

It is fair to say that Mathew Barzal is really starting to hit his stride for the New York Islanders this postseason, scoring in his last three games and he appears to be nearing the peak of his powers at just the right time.

That is scary news for the Boston Bruins, and also scary news for the Tampa Bay Lightning if the Isles do advance, and Barzal will have a major say on how tonight’s mouthwatering postseason showdown goes down.

What is really impressive is the fact that Barzal, who has nine points (3 G, 6 A) in total in the Playoffs, has shown a newfound maturity to his game, impacting the game in all three zones and really putting this Islander team on his back.

In short, Barzal is developing into the kind of leader John Tavares was for this franchise and those types of players have the ability to deliver in the biggest moments with the pressure firmly on, which the former will look to do in Game 6 tonight.

Standing in his way, however, will be Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, who has really broken out this year and is fulfilling the lofty potential he entered the National Hockey League with.

With Torey Krug and Zdeno Chara gone, McAvoy has elevated his game and has risen to become the leader of this Bruins’ blueline, recording 30 points (5 G, 25 A) in 51 regular season games while averaging a career-high 24:00 minutes of total ice time.

McAvoy plays in all situations for the Bruins and he has been an absolute horse in the postseason so far, averaging 26:47 of total ice time while recording 19 blocked shots and laying on 28 hits, in addition to putting up 11 points (1 G, 10 A) in just 10 games.

Needing to win or face their season ending far earlier than they would hope, the B’s will need McAvoy to play big minutes in Game 6 and also be out on the ice against the Islanders’ top line, which includes Barzal who he will need to put the shackles on and slow down if Boston is to force a Game 7.