In October, Matthew Barzal began his first full season with the New York Islanders as a virtual unknown. After tallying an assist Tuesday against the Coyotes, the rookie forward made national headlines by registering his 50th point in 49 games this season.
With this point-scoring achievement, Barzal joined a list of only three other rookie players who have accomplished 50 in 50 during the last two decades: Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin.
Ovechkin, Crosby, and Malkin will all likely end up in the Hall of Fame after their careers end.
Barzal’s milestone point came after registering a secondary assist on Anthony Beauvillier’s second goal of the night.
Barzal scored 16 goals and dished out 34 assists to hit the 50-point plateau. He sits 16th in NHL points and 11th in assists.
Meanwhile Ovechkin finished his rookie season in 2005-06 with 106 points (52 goals, 54 assists) in 81 games.
The Russian machine tallied his 50th and 51st points of the year in his 41st game of his rookie season. Ovechkin scored a second period goal (26th of the year) and tallied an assist in the third period of a January 10, 2006 game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Ovechkin’s apple came on a goal by Brian Sutherby.
Headline Graphic: @tsn_official
