They’ve always been the ones Jack Capuano didn’t need to worry about. Matt Martin, Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck make up one of the most formidable fourth lines in the NHL, and with one exception, they’re the Islanders most potent scoring threat — gritty cousins to John Tavares’ ever-dependable skill line.
They’re rarely separated, sparingly criticized, but on Wednesday night, Capuano and company couldn’t deny the fact that’s been staring the Islanders in the face since these playoffs started: The trio is in trouble.
“They’re fighting it right now,” Capuano said. “It’s no question. They’re fighting it.