VANCOUVER, British Columbia — The Identity Line may not be around anymore, but that doesn’t mean it can’t serve as inspiration.
For the Islanders’ current fourth line — Kyle MacLean and Marc Gatcomb in Matt Martin and Cal Clutterbuck’s old spots on either side of Casey Cizikas — it is just that.
“You see clips all the time of them just being animals on the forecheck and the stuff they were doing,” Gatcomb told The Post before the Islanders’ 4-3 win over the Canucks. “And then playing with Marty last year, you see tendencies and things that he was able to do to find success in this league. So, I think we’re all looking for anything we can to find an edge or get little tips to ourselves. Absolutely.”
Martin, in his role as advisor to general manager Mathieu Darche, is still around the team all the time.
Clutterbuck, who works some games for MSG, isn’t too far behind.
And Cizikas, of course, is still on the roster, more than ready to be a resource for anyone who wants.
The current trio has been a staple since Gatcomb was called up at the start of December, and doesn’t look to be changing anytime soon.
Truth be told, they’ve been the Islanders’ most consistent line throughout the month of January.
In 136 minutes this season at 5-on-5, the most of any forward line the Islanders have tried — a reflection both of injuries and of Patrick Roy’s constant tinkering — the trio has a 55.26 expected goals percentage and has allowed fewer than one goal per 60 minutes, according to Evolving Hockey.
“I’m very impressed the way they’ve been playing,” coach Patrick Roy said. “Consistency that they’ve shown, the dedication they’ve been putting on the ice night after night and the way they’ve been performing. Sometimes in a game it’s about trust. And they have earned my trust.”
The Canucks, who have now lost 11 straight games in the midst of what the organization has called a “hybrid retool,” traded winger Kiefer Sherwood to the Sharks on Monday for two future second-round picks and prospect Cole Clayton.
“I’m really thankful for everything that the city and this organization has given me,” said Sherwood, who scored a hat trick against the Islanders in the first game between these teams.
“… This is a really special place to play.”
Ilya Sorokin was in net for the Islanders, with Kevin Lankinen going for the Canucks.
