Coming off his most productive season as an Islander, Clutterbuck had an interesting year of ups and downs due to shifting from the fourth line to stints on the first line.
Cal Clutterbuck had an interesting year for the New York Islanders.
There was little consistency for the agitator in terms of line stability, as was the case for most of the lineup in the beginning of the season. Clutterbuck scored his first goal on the fourth line in the season opener and scored his second alongside John Tavares on the first line more than 10 games later.
Clutterbuck was shuffled around the lineup much throughout the beginning of the season, likely contributing to sporadic scoring. But Clutterbuck wasn’t too far from his usual self, scoring five goals and 20 points last season.
The Islanders trademark fourth line undoubtedly suffered last season without former Islander Matt Martin on the left. The fourth line had to find a new identity, and much of it is still a question heading into next season.
With center Casey Cizikas‘ health inconsistent throughout the year as well it’s important to keep in mind that Clutterbuck, as well as Nikolay Kulemin/Jason Chimera‘s success was stunted.
For next season, Clutterbuck and the fourth line need to do some soul searching. The days of the “mc squared” line are unfortunately done, and a new identity must be found. As to what it is, that remains to be seen, but regardless a new style is needed.