Mathew Barzal joined some elite company after recording 50th point of rookie season

BarDown Staff

Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images

Hockey fans have been extremely lucky recently in regards to rookies coming in the league and making an immediate impact.

Last season, Auston Matthews led the way. The year before that, it was Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel lighting the lamp and bringing hope to Edmonton and Buffalo. This year, Brock Boeser and Mathew Barzal have led a talented crop of young guns in their rookie season.

Max Pacioretty with nothing but praise for Mat Barzal #Isles pic.twitter.com/LYEsQ3ICim
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) January 16, 2018

While Boeser had all the headlines and the rookie scoring lead earlier this season, Barzal has come on strong in January with 14 points so far this month, the last of which came Monday night in a loss to Arizona.

Although the assist doesn't mean much because the Islanders lost, it's significant when you consider Barzal joined some ELITE company because of it.

Rookies w 50 points in first 50 games of season-- last 20 years:
Ovi, Crosby, Malkin, Barzal #isles #NHL

(It's game 49 tonight)
— Eric Hornick (@ehornick) January 23, 2018

Yeah, the 20-year-old has been that good for the Islanders who now have three players with 50 or more points this season.

#Isles Barzal adds 1pt and now leads #Canucks Boeser by 9 pts in the Calder Trophy race.
— Mr.Matt (@Mister_Matt_79) January 23, 2018

The Islanders have a ton of talent up front and if John Tavares ends up staying in Long Island, the future will be very bright with him and Barzal leading the way.

(H/T: r/hockey)