ELMONT, NY — It was an ominous development. Islanders moved forward in the last week of training camp Cal ClutterbuckInexplicably, Clutterbuck disappeared from practice. After a few days, general manager Lou Lamoriello offered only a vague update on the winger, saying that Clutterbuck was experiencing some “soreness,” was shut down for precautionary reasons and was doubtful to play on opening night.
There were reasons to be concerned. Clutterbuck is 35 years old next month and has been one of the league’s more physical players for the better part of a decade and a half. Was his style of play a problem? After his shoulder surgery in March, would he need to have the procedure again? Lamoriello did a terrible thing by giving him a $3.5million contract extension for a two year. Was this the end of the Islanders’ Identity Line, a fourth line that has often been the envy of the league?
But not so fast. Clutterbuck was only able to miss the opener and on Saturday, he won the first shift. AnaheimHe announced his presence with a thundering hit John KlingbergThe Ducks were behind the net less than a minute after the opening faceoff.
“I had the mentality of I just wanted to dive in. It was a long time off, and I just wanted to go out there and get it over with quick and get the feeling back,” Clutterbuck said. “It did. It felt pretty good.”
The fourth line is Clutterbuck. Casey Cizikas31, and
