NY Islanders’ new-look fourth line dominates and might be here to stay

If the New York Islanders were looking for an identity line to power their remarkable 6-1-0 road trip, they may have found an answer in the unexpected trio of Casey Cizikas, Cal Ritchie, and Max Shabanov. On Thursday night in Detroit, that line didn’t just contribute - they took over the game, delivering a statement performance that has fans buzzing about what this group could become.

From their first shift, it was clear the chemistry was real. “We just played a simple game,” Cizikas said afterward. “That first goal, Shabi made a hell of a play to Rich on the wide side, and Rich is a shooter. He’s going to shoot, and he found the back of the net. We kind of just rolled from there.”

Ritchie became the first player in club history to open the scoring in consecutive games for his two goals as an Islander when he opened the scoring in the first period.

Their success came from classic Islanders hockey: straight-line, north-south pressure, no frills, no hesitation. Cizikas called it “straight hockey,” and it showed. They worked below the dots, forced turnovers, and capitalized when the chances came.

And perhaps most encouraging, both rookies are growing fast.

Ritchie, still settling into NHL life, looks more confident every game. “It wasn’t easy at the start,” Cizikas said. “But he stayed with his game… you can see him flourish right now. It’s fun to play alongside him and Shabby.”

Shabanov, meanwhile, put on a show — two goals, an assist, and a highlight-reel rush that left the Red Wings flat-footed. His teammates weren’t surprised. “He’s a skilled player,” Cizikas added. “He finds those small areas to make plays. He’s strong on his feet. He likes to hold onto the puck and make that play.”

Ritchie echoed the praise: “That pass to me on my goal was unreal… He had three other points tonight that were unreal.” But both rookies pointed back to the veteran anchoring their line. “Zeke works his butt off,” Ritchie said. “He brings so much energy. I’m always asking questions, looking at videos with him. He’s been a great teacher.”

In a season where depth was a question mark, the Islanders suddenly have a fourth line that looks dangerous, dynamic, and trustworthy; a modernized version of the “identity line” that once defined this franchise. If Thursday was any indication, this trio isn’t just a stopgap.

They might be the spark plug that carries the Islanders into something bigger.