Think about how important Kyle MacLean's successful first NHL stint was if Casey Cizikas is going to have to miss time.
Think about how important Kyle MacLean's successful first NHL stint was if Casey Cizikas is going to have to miss time.
The New York Islanders welcomed forwad Casey Cizikas back into the lineup after a 10-game absence on Feb. 8 but could be without him yet again just after a five-game stay.
While on the penalty kill just 15 seconds into the third period, the 32-year-old forward took an Erik Karlsson one-timer off the left hand:
Once the Islanders got possession, Cizikas went to the bench before heading down the tunnel.
He did not return.
Head coach Patrick Roy had no update following the 5-4 overtime win over the Penguins.
When Cizikas suffered a lower-body injury after blocking a Filip Hronek shot in a 5-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 9, the Islanders tried to use their rostered players to fill the void.
Cal Clutterbuck lined up at center for a game, while Lane Lambert ultimately decided to break up his best duo in Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, which backfired immensely.
After trial and error through four games, Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello elected to recall Kyle MacLean, the son of Islanders coach John MacLean.
The undrafted free agent had spent over three-and-a-half seasons playing for the Bridgeport Islanders but was a standout during training camp.
Down in Bridgeport, MacLean ensured that he would be the first forward called up, as he was mastering what it meant to be a bottom-six shutdown forward and penalty-killer on a nightly basis under first-year Bridgeport coach Rick Kowalsky.
Making his NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks on Jan. 19, the 24-year-old stuck in the lineup for another five games until Cizikas was ready to return.
Before being sent down, he potted his first career NHL goal via a breakaway out of the penalty box:
Although just tallying one goal on three shots through six games, MacLean is really impressed, given his defensive play, forechecking, and high IQ.
He certainly impressed Roy, whom he played five of the six games under:
"I think he has a future with us. No doubt in my mind. I mean, it'll be up to the organization to decide when he's ready or not. But I think he does have a future with our team," Roy said. "He played really well. I felt like he was very reliable. I mean, he played really well defensively. I guess there's no better feeling than leaving with a goal in your back pocket. I think it brings a lot of confidence to your game, and I'm sure he's going to Bridgeport with other good things in his mind."
When MacLean was on the ice at 5-on-5 (49:01), the Islanders scored a goal and didn't allow any, owning the second-lowest Expected Goals Against amongst forwards who have played in at least three of the last six games (1.16) per NaturalStatrick.com.
Although MacLean played well, the only logical move for the Islanders to make when Cizikas was ready was to send him back to Bridgeport.
But, given his performance, the organization wouldn't hesitate to bring him back up if need be.
Since being sent back to Bridgeport, MacLean has three assists in seven games.
Now, with the Islanders potentially down Cizikas again, they know they have a reliable option in Bridgeport.
Since being sent back to Bridgeport, MacLean has three assists.
Think about just how important that six-game NHL stint was for MacLean.
Let's say MacLean never gets recalled.
If Cizikas has to miss time right now while the Islanders are in the midst of a battle for a playoff spot, the trial-and-error tactic Lambert tried could have yielded the same results, which was a 1-3-0 record.
It could have led to a call-up of MacLean regardless, but maybe the pressure of going into the lineup for the first time during a critical stretch could have been overwhelming.
Hypotheticals are always interesting, but the reality is that MacLean is ready if need be, and he's already earned the trust of Roy.
Given the Islanders' need for penalty kill help, despite going 3-for-3 in the win over the Penguins, MacLean has incredible value for a team that should be fighting for their lives with 27 games to go.