Many New York Islanders fans have complained that the team has lost overall toughness and grit, and I couldn’t agree more.
The days of Eric Godard, Eric Cairns, Matt Martin, and guys like Steve Webb are long gone, and it’s put a damper on much excitement besides offensive skill. The opposing argue is it’s a league of speed which is also true, but you NEED toughness.
The Islanders had a wonderful fourth line last season composed of Matt Martin, Cal Clutterbuck, and Casey Cizikas. These guys threw the body around like no other line in the league, and left it out on the ice every single shift.