Islanders' Cal Clutterbuck 'very excited' to have family in attendance for 1,000th career game
New York Islanders right wing Cal Clutterbuck, playing in his 1,000th NHL game, skates against the Philadelphia Flyers at UBS Arena on Nov 22, 2023. Credit: Brad Penner
Cal Clutterbuck wasn’t sure how many friends were at UBS Arena on Wednesday night for his 1,000th NHL game because he’s made so many new ones since coming to the Islanders in 2013.
But there were three people he knew were in the building to share his milestone.
“I’m very excited,” Clutterbuck said before the Islanders beat the Flyers 3-2. “I’m glad that my parents and my sister are going to be able to be here. Probably the three biggest influences in my life.
“I haven’t really lived at home since I was young,” added Clutterbuck, 36, from Welland, Ontario. “But they’ve just been able to help me every step of the way. I’m almost more thrilled for them tonight than I am for myself. I think it’s a big feather in their cap.”
Also at UBS Arena was former teammate Josh Bailey, still an unrestricted free agent after being traded away this offseason.
Clutterbuck waved to acknowledge a standing ovation during a second-period stoppage when his achievement was announced.
“It felt good,” said Clutterbuck, who has played 654 games with the Islanders since being acquired from the Wild for Nino Niederreiter.
“A little nervous before the game. It’s been a while since I felt that way. I’ve been treated with nothing but respect on this Island by the fans. I’m just really grateful that I was able to do it here and in front of them because they’ve supported us and myself and my family for the last decade. Made it home for us.”
Isles files
It was Lane Lambert’s 100th game as Islanders coach…Bo Horvat had his five-game point streak snapped and linemate Mathew Barzal had a four-game point streak ended . . . Matt Martin (upper body) missed his third game but continued to skate on his own . . . Defenseman Samuel Bolduc and forward Julien Gauthier were the healthy scratches.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
More Islanders
