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New York Islanders: 5 Biggest Questions Heading Into 2018-2019

By Matt O'Leary
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Washington Capitals speaks to the media after his team's 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Two of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 30: Head coach Barry Trotz of the Washington Capitals speaks to the media after his team's 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game Two of the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on May 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 04: Casey Cizikas #53 and Matt Martin #17 of the New York Islanders escourt Cal Clutterbuck #15 of the New York Islanders off the ice following a second period injury against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Barclays Center on April 4, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Can the fourth line fly again?

Matt Martin is back, so will we see a reunion of the “best fourth line in hockey”? The last time he was here was 2015-2016 when all three had career years production wise. Matt Martin had 19 points that year. It was the only year he put up double-digit goals.

Then, Cal Clutterbuck also had 15 goals and 23 points. It was the last time he eclipsed double-digit goals and the second highest goal total of his career. He also seemed to have a knack for scoring clutch goals that season. He’s been nonexistent since.

Casey Cizikas had 29 points that year while registering a career high of 154 hits. It was the most productive year those three had playing together. Can they re-create it?

One thing’s for sure they’re certainly a more expensive fourth line combining for $9.25 million against the cap this year. On top of that, they’re also 27, 31 and 29 years of age. How much longer can they keep their physical style of play going?

With Leo Komarov and Tom Kuhnackl in the mix as well, there’s no guarantee all these guys play together on the fourth line anyway. The Islanders have so many depth forwards right now it’s almost hard to imagine a scenario where this line flourishes like it once did.

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