New York Islanders: Matt Martin To Return To Lineup

After being out of the lineup since the Toronto game, Matt Martin is set to return and add his physical presence to the New York Islanders.

Matt Martin was out of the lineup for four games following the Toronto Maple Leafs game. The New York Islanders have been dealing with a number of injuries and sickness this past week but it appears that Martin is ready to return.

According to Arthur Staple, it appears that Matt Martin is in for Ross Johnston tonight. Johnston has spent most of the year on the scratch pad but has filled in for Martin in his absence.

Johnston is essentially the poor man’s version of Matt Martin. He’s averaged just 7:55 of ice time per game over 17 games but has 43 hits. At six-foot-five and 235 pounds, Johnston’s a big boy who isn’t afraid to drop the gloves.

Martin, at six-foot-three and 220 pounds isn’t afraid to get after it either. The difference between the two is Martin is more effective. He has 13 points in 52 games this year and is on pace for 17 points this year which would be the second highest of his career.

Martin is also a key piece to the puzzle for the fourth line. Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck have been notably better since the return of Matt Martin this season. The three have tremendous chemistry together and are the Isles most consistent line.

Clutterbuck is on pace for 25 points which would be the highest point total of his Islanders career. Cizikas, who already has 19 goals and 30 points, is on pace for 38 points which is by far the highest in his career.

They make up arguably the best fourth line in the league. Yes, they might be a tad on the expensive side but at the end of the day their efficiency has been worth noting and Martin is a big piece of that.

The Isles are taking on the Flyers tonight before facing a tough stretch of games against teams fighting for playoff spots.