Islanders' fourth line playing with youthful spring in its step
CHICAGO — The Islanders’ longstanding fourth line plays with a physical edge that can rapidly age a player and Casey Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin, teammates since 2013, have been 30somethings for a while.
But there’s been a youthful spring to their collective performances with that trio all healthy to start this season.
“For sure, they kind of look like they’re 28, 29, 30,” Ross Johnston said. “They’re kind of running it back, which is great to see. Those guys take care of their bodies and it’s pretty evident so far with the success they’ve had it’s paying dividends. Certainly, it’s inspirational. When I’m 33, hopefully I’m in good health and can keep it rolling, too. They’re a big help to our team when they stay healthy.”
The 28-year-old Johnston substituted for Martin on Tuesday night as the Islanders opened a three-game road trip against Chicago at United Center but not for injury reasons. Martin remained on Long Island to be with his wife, Sydney, as they awaited the birth of their second child.
Coach Lane Lambert said Martin was expected to rejoin the Islanders on this trip, which also includes games in St. Louis on Thursday night and in Detroit on Saturday afternoon.
In the meanwhile, the 6-5, 230-pound Johnston was inserted into the lineup for his second game of the season. He logged 10:31 with three credited hits in a 3-2 road loss to the Panthers on Oct. 23 as a deterrent to agitator Matthew Tkachuk.
Cal Clutterbuck, the eldest of the group at 34, agreed it can be a seamless substitution when Johnston is used on the line.
“It’s a similar style player,” Clutterbuck said. “I think the thing that Ross doesn’t get enough credit for is his ability to make the plays that Marty can make a lot of the time. Not necessarily big, flashy offensive plays. But in order for us to get down the ice and forecheck, you’ve got to be able to break the puck out of your zone. You’ve got to be able to make a wall play and get out and make the other team feel like they’re under duress and he’s got the ability to do that.
“It’s nice when he comes in, sometimes.”
Johnston made his NHL debut with the Islanders on April 10, 2016 — he notched his first career point with an assist in his second game in Chicago on Jan. 20, 2017 — yet Tuesday marked just his 120th game.
“You want to contribute,” said Johnston, in the first season of a four-year, $4.4 million extension. “I’m excited to get back in the game, play my game and, hopefully, keep the momentum rolling in here. That line has been great. They get in on the forecheck. They’re giving our bench momentum and that’s what they’re supposed to do.”
“He does a great job of handling that role,” Lambert said of Johnston. “He understands what his role is here. Part of that is he works hard and he keeps himself ready for when he comes in.”
Johnston matched a career high with 32 games played last season. Part of that was the identity line’s inability to stay healthy together. Martin, Cizikas and Clutterbuck dressed for just 42 games together last season, with Clutterbuck needing season-ending shoulder surgery in March.
So far, so good for the trio this season.
“It’s energetic,” Lambert said. “They love the game. You can tell they love the game. When you love the game like they do and you understand what your role and your job is, it comes naturally. Not easy, but more naturally.”
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.
