The Islanders’ fourth line, also titled the “Identity Line,” consists of Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas, and Cal Clutterbuck. This line is a pivotal piece of the Islanders’ success and is vital for the playoffs.

Ever since Matt Martin’s return to Long Island in 2018, these three have created a tough, gritty line that has helped the Islanders earn three consecutive playoff berths. The line shuts down the best opposing forwards, and never shies away from laying the body or throwing the fist. The three played almost every playoff game together last season and were a big help in the Islanders’ trip to the Conference Finals.

However, the line has cooled down significantly as of late, both offensively and defensively. Since April 1, the line has combined for just five points and an average plus-minus of roughly -4. The offensive production isn’t too worrisome, because scoring goals has never been their main priority, but without the physicality or defensive ability, the line has not been as effective as in the past. Still, Islanders Head Coach Barry Trotz has not refrained from splitting up the trio.

Even with the recent poor play, Martin, Cizikas, and Clutterbuck should remain on the fourth line during the playoffs when healthy for these three main reasons:

1. Chemistry

During the NHL playoffs, the smallest mistakes can be capitalized on, end every loss sets you a game closer to going home. So, the playoffs are not the time to be experimenting. After a 56 game season, we have a feel for which line combinations work and which don’t. Regardless of their recent lack of success, this line has arguably more chemistry than any other line on the Islanders. When all three are healthy, it’s essentially a given the three will be partnered up.

If the Islanders want to go far in the playoffs, they’ll have to beat the best. Their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who finished fifth in the league, begins Sunday. To defeat such a tough team, an entire team must think alike and be able to communicate. Martin, Cizikas, and Clutterbuck are always on the same page, and if playing well, are really tough to score against. Martin was also tied for fourth on the Islanders in playoff goals last season, so the line can also put up the occasional goal, which can have a strong impact on the game.

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2. Physicality

One of the biggest factors separating playoff hockey from regular season hockey is physicality. Neither team views losing as an option, so both sides will do whatever it takes to win. With the higher steaks comes ferocity, so toughness can often lead to wins. Both Martin and Clutterbuck are in the top three on the all-time hits list, so it’s clear the line can lay hits when needed.

The Islanders will be dealing with a tough line from Pittsburgh’s side, with Zach Aston-Reese, Teddy Blueger, and Brandon Tanev. If these two lines are on the ice simultaneously, tempers will get very high. The more physical side can spark momentum which can lead to series-altering goals. No other line combination is quite as physical as Martin, Cizikas, and Clutterbuck are.

3. Defense

The Islanders are one of the best defensive teams in the league, finishing second in the league in goals against per game, and that isn’t only because of goaltending and defenseman. The defense the Islanders get from their forwards is a tremendous help. Every goal allowed in the playoffs is costly, so you’ll need quick backchecks, and to create puck possession.

Martin, Cizikas, and Clutterbuck are always helping in the defensive zone, whether it’s laying hits, blocking shots, or cutting off angles. Cizikas, the lines’ centerman, is good in the faceoff circle and can be counted on to win defensive zone draws. Simply put, when these three get on the ice, they skate fast, play hard, make a stop in the defensive zone, transition to offense, and finish their shift without slowing down. If the Islanders want to take home the Stanley Cup, their best bet is leaving these three players together on the fourth line.

Ben Kule

Die-Hard Islanders fan and writer from Plainview, Long Island, NY. I have a passion and knowledge for this team and I enjoy sharing that with others