Evaluating the NY Islanders' lineup changes

The Identity Line has found another Casey Cizikas.

As stated before, the Identity Line has stayed constant for nearly a decade on Long Island. However, the offensive production has been anemic as Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin are declining in the ladder years of their careers. With Cizikas under contract for three more seasons, his role was going to change come the 2024-25 season. Roy decided to expedite this process on Tuesday by moving Cizikas to the third line, leaving the antagonizing duo without a centerman.

However, the Isles had a Cizikas clone waiting in Bridgeport. A 24-year-old, Kyle MacLean has been exceptional in his offensive and defensive ability since joining the Identity Line. Not only has he provided the same strong forecheck along the blue line, but MacLean nearly had another breakaway goal against the Red Wings on Thursday. Furthermore, the veteran presence of Clutterbuck and Martin has helped stabilize MacLean as an NHL regular.

"It's nice for him to have vets around. They can certainly talk to him over the course of a play and help him to feel more comfortable on the ice" said Roy.

MacLean's faceoff percentage has also improved in the last three games, winning 15 of his last 27 decisions.