New York Islanders Five Most Important Players for 2019 Playoffs

Casey Cizikas

No one personifies the values and philosophy of the 2018-19 New York Islanders more than Casey Cizikas. The fourth line center plays the exact way that Barry Trotz wants all of his players to play.

He’s relentless, in your face, responsible in his own end and turns offense into defense. It’s why Barry Trotz trust him so much. Which lead to Trotz’s comments about the center to Newsday back at the beginning of March.

"“You’re talking about a player who leaves everything on the ice every day,” coach Barry Trotz said. “It’s not only during the games. It’s practices. He’s got a motor, and that’s a skill in itself. He’s grown. He’s had a terrific year.” “He’s [Casey Cizikas] scored big goals,” Trotz said. “I’ve given him some tough matchups, a lot of times ‘A’ and ‘B’ type of matchups. He’s played an important role for us.”"

When the New York Islanders played the Pittsburgh Penguins this season, Sidney Crosby saw a ton of Casey Cizikas. And that’s going to continue in the postseason.

Crosby loves to put up points against the Islanders. Through 66 games versus the New York Islanders Sidney Crosby has 113 points or 1.71 points per game.

In case you were wondering that’s a lot, even for Crosby. He’s scored more points against the Isles than any other team. The Flyers are second on Crosby’s points list with 99 points in 67 games.

Cizikas is going to play a huge part in keeping Sidney Crosby quiet in this series. That’s a tall task against the second best player in the game right now. And one that’s scored 185 points in 160 career playoff games.

Casey Cizikas’ will be one of the Islanders more important players in the playoffs, just like he was in the regular season.