Barzal is playing the best hockey of his career, he doesn't dipsy doodle aimlessly anymore. He is special because of his wiggle, but he plays with purpose and attacks more north nd south now. Horvat has really unlocked his game too, it's a really nice match of skillsets, and Brock has proven to be a very nice 3rd guy on that line. Roy has the entire lineup performing and Sorokin has looked much better.
I know I toot Dobson's horn and for good reason, but Barzal is living up to being the face of the franchise. He's not Steve Yzerman, but Yzerman also started out as an all offense dynamo and turned into a 2-way beast later in his career under another charismatic coach in Bowman. I mean you could consider that it was Trotz who initially reigned in and clashed with Barzal like Bowman did to Yzerman early on, but Roy has really unlocked the next gear in Barzal's game.
If we get into the playoffs then that means the team will be streaking and won themselves in, Barzal will have to have a significant contribution to that happening. He really seems to flourish in the spotlight and has the personality and flash that the NHL loves, ride that wave as long as you can.