Islanders' Cal Clutterbuck misses game against Rangers with unspecified injury
New York Islanders' Cal Clutterbuck (15) control the puck in front of St. Louis Blues' Tyler Pitlick (9)during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, in St. Louis. Credit: AP/Jeff Le
Cal Clutterbuck missed his second game this season to injury as the gritty fourth-line right wing was absent from the Islanders’ lineup for Tuesday night’s match against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
Clutterbuck, who required season-ending shoulder surgery in March, exited after the first period of Monday night’s 4-3 overtime win over the Flames at UBS Arena after logging 3:32.
The Islanders have not specified Clutterbuck’s current injury and coach Lane Lambert did not offer an update following Monday’s game nor before Tuesday’s contest.
Nikita Soshnikov, playing his third game of the season, was inserted for Clutterbuck but not in Clutterbuck’s spot. Instead, Soshnikov started on top-line center Mathew Barzal’s right wing along with Anders Lee. Oliver Wahlstrom, who did not have a shot on goal against the Flames in 11:01 of ice time, was dropped to Casey Cizikas’ fourth line with Matt Martin.
“We’d like to see him get more shots on goal,” Lambert said.
Clutterbuck missed time in training camp and the season opener against the visiting Panthers on Oct. 13 with what the Islanders termed as “soreness.” He has one goal in 12 games.
The fast-skating Soshnikov, 5-11, 190 pounds, was Lambert’s choice to play over 6-5, 230-pound Ross Johnston. Lambert was asked before the game how he would weigh that lineup decision.
“You get a little bit of the same with both guys,” Lambert said.
Defenseman Robin Salo was the other healthy scratch in addition to Johnston.
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.
