Islanders: Matt Martin making huge contributions this postseason

Matt Martin struggled during the regular season, but with his Islanders linemates finally healthy, he has been a crucial piece in the playoffs thus far.

A fourth-liner by trade, New York Islanders winger Matt Martin is out there to lay the body and defend his teammates in a responsible manner. For Martin, this has been a tough year. In his age 31 season, he lost both his linemates due to skate cuts, playing with different pieces throughout their absence. He put up a career-worst nine points, just not looking like his usual big hitting self at times.

With his UFA status, it was not out of the realm of possibilities that he would not be brought back, as Ross Johnston played a similar game to Martin, with better skillsets offensively. But with the time off, the Islanders fourth line got healthy and have been dominant in doing their job.

While scoring is not something on this line’s long resume, Martin has found a scoring touch in these playoffs, with three goals all coming at rather significant times.

In the Islanders’ Game Three victory over the Philadelphia Flyers, Martin, after a beautiful pass by Mat Barzal, was able to sneak one by goaltender Carter Hart, to tie the hockey game at one.

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Although the Islanders had woken up from their first-period slumber before his shot crossed the goal line, the team in blue elevated their game following this goal. They were able to use this newly acquired momentum to put another two goals on the scoreboard before subsequently shutting the figurative door to take a 2-1 series lead.

When the Islanders have a lead, their defensive structure and forechecking ability under head coach Barry Trotz makes it near impossible for opponents to muster any opportunities to get back in a hockey game.

When Martin scores a goal in this year’s playoffs, the Islanders are undefeated, with a record of 3-0.

His first goal of the postseason came back in Game Two of the Qualifying Rounds against the Florida Panthers. His goal tied that hockey game at one apiece, with the Islanders finding a way to come out on top 4-2.

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What made this goal was the pass by forward Tom Kuhnhackl, as Martin was in the right place at the right time to score.

That goal got the Islanders offense going in a back and forth affair, ultimately putting the Panthers’ backs against the wall in the best of three series as they came away with the 4-2 win.

Flash forward to Game Two against the Washington Capitals, Martin scores yet again.

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This goal gave the Islanders a 2-1 lead halfway through the second frame. While the Capitals would be able to tie the game up under two minutes later, he came through in a big moment. No goal is meaningless in the playoffs.

All of Martin’s goals in this expanded playoffs have come in-tight on netminders, as Martin uses his big frame to win net battles, before finishing off impressive passes.

The Islanders have been so dominant in these playoff games because of lockdown defense, but also due to their ability to generate scoring from all lines in big moments.

Out of the 22 skaters on the roster, all-seeing minutes in one form or another, only three players have failed to record a point. Johnny Boychuk and Michael Dal Colle only dressed for one game, with Ross Johnston dressed for two. That statistic is exceptional.

When one line does not bring their A-game, some other line does and that has been integral to the team’s success.

Last night, the Islanders saw seven Islanders record a point, with Eberle, who has struggled mightily, leading the pack with two.

After what we have seen Martin do in the postseason, bringing him back may be essential. This fourth line has been missing from the Islanders for the majority of the season, so of course, each piece was not as effective when separated. But with Cizikas and Clutterbuck healthy, this fourth line is back doing their job, using big hits and plays to create momentum when the team desperately needs it.