I don’t want Holmstrom taken out of the lineup, but at the same time he has six points in forty five games. I still like the player, but I don’t c him sticking in the lineup when Barzal is back.

It’s Holmstrom vs clutterbuck and Holmstrom is the much better player at this point. Holmstrom is a bottom 6 defensive winger, clutterbuck is just a guy that hits but otherwise can’t move

Clutterbuck brings a physical element to the game that is mandatory if the Islanders want to make a playoff run and The 4th line has looked great as of late. (especially in the leafs and devils game) I like Holmstrom, but he probably will be scratched if Barzal comes back. Also I personally like Bolduc over Aho, but Aho has had a pretty good year so I understand if he plays when he comes back.

The 4th line had one good game against Toronto - the 4th line with clutterbuck isn’t good enough to go on a run. Cizikas is no longer the play driver he used to be, and needs someone like fasching to help drive the line.

Martin-cizikas-clutterbuck spend most of their time scrambling in the defensive zone and can’t carry the puck out with possession. Assuming the isles play Carolina in the playoffs, that line is going to get killed against their speed and forecheck.

Holmstrom is nothing special , but he can do 2 things that this team lacks. Skate with the puck out of the defensive zone and he can execute a simple tape to tape pass.

Bolduc will be a good player, but isles need Aho’s speed and puck moving from the defensive zone

As a unit I thought the Fourth line looked good against Toronto and New Jersey. Not too worried about the forward group tho. I’m more worried about the d core.

Bolduc hasn’t done enough to lock down a spot imo. I’d go with Aho-Mayfield too, but I wouldn’t give either guy big minutes. The top four d looks good with Pelech-Dobson and Romanov-Pulock imo.

I agree. When Fasching and Cizikas played together they looked great, but I think that will hopefully be the line for next year. Personally I think Clutterbuck brings the phsyical element that is so important come playoff time. Holmstrom really doesn't bring anything to the table in my opinion. I really like Bolduc but for the reason you said I understand playing Aho, but also I like Bolduc's size for the playoffs

No. Take out holmstrom. Put in clutter. Clutter is a vet. No reason to take him out

I’m more worried about the coach than the roster if Barzal is healthy.

They should take clutter out because he’s a bad hockey player and the 4th line is way past its prime.

The problem with clutterbuck is his timing is off due to age. By the time he throws a hit the puck is already gone and it allows the other team to move the puck.

Fasching is physical but he is actually effective because he gets to the player when they have the puck and separates them. Clutterbuck is a big reason why the 4th line can’t get out of their own zone. Martin-Cizikas are much better without him

The forward group is fine as long as they shelter the 4th line, but Martin-cizikas can’t play middle 6 minutes. They need fasching to do that.

I don’t disagree on Martin or Clutterbuck. Cizikas is actually carrying the puck up ice well, but he doesn’t have anyone skating with him in transition lol.

4th line average shift:

1. Cizikas wins faceoff

2. Immediately give back possession to the other team

3. Spend 35-40 seconds scrambling in the defensive zone, giving up 3 or 4 SOG, usually 1 high danger chance.

4. Multiple failed clears

5. Finally dump the puck out and give the puck back to the other team.

6. Line change

Well if he wins the faceoff back then the defense need to help get the puck out of the zone.

it’s usually not back to the defense. The wingers usually get possession when cizikas takes faceoff. He’ll tie them up

Ok Clutterbuck has been brutal today. Ur right.