Islanders' Fourth Line Sparks Crucial Win Over Panthers

Casey Cizikas and the Islanders' hard-working fourth line ignite a five-goal second period to defeat Florida.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:49pm

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The New York Islanders' fourth line, led by center Casey Cizikas, played a pivotal role in the team's 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers on Saturday. After speaking with head coach Patrick Roy before the game, Cizikas predicted the fourth line was close to breaking through, and his prediction came true as the Islanders erupted for five goals in the second period, with Cizikas and linemates Marc Gatcomb and Kyle MacLean all contributing to the scoring outburst.

Why it matters

The Islanders' fourth line has been a driving force for the team all season, and their performance in this game was crucial in securing a much-needed win as the Islanders push for a playoff spot. The depth scoring and relentless work ethic of the fourth line can often spark the rest of the team, and this game was a prime example of that.

The details

Gatcomb started the scoring barrage with his second goal of the season, and Cizikas capped the frame with his ninth goal of the year after a second attempt at a rebound. The fourth line accounted for five of the Islanders' 18 high-danger scoring chances at 5-on-5, showcasing their impact on the game. Head coach Patrick Roy praised the fourth line's intensity and competitiveness, saying they are a 'tough line to play against'.

  • The Islanders scored five goals in the second period on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Gatcomb scored his second goal of the season 5:28 into the second period.

The players

Casey Cizikas

The Islanders' fourth-line center who predicted his line was close to breaking through before the game.

Marc Gatcomb

The Islanders' fourth-line winger who scored the first goal of the team's five-goal second period.

Kyle MacLean

The Islanders' fourth-line winger who has been part of the hard-working fourth line.

Patrick Roy

The Islanders' head coach who expressed optimism in the current iteration of the fourth line and praised their work ethic and competitiveness.

Bo Horvat

The Islanders' forward who praised the fourth line's work ethic and its ability to drive the team.

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What they’re saying

“It's contagious. I mean, you see how hard they work and the stuff they create just by hard work, and it doesn't take talent to work hard — and they show that every single night that their work ethic and compete, it drives our group. It really does. It's been fun to watch them.”

— Bo Horvat, Islanders Forward

“You're happy for them, because they play so well and they play so hard. The intensity from the start of their shift to the end of their shift is the same. … I mean, it's a tough line to play against.”

— Patrick Roy, Islanders Head Coach

What’s next

The Islanders will look to build on this momentum as they continue their push for a playoff spot in the final weeks of the regular season.

The takeaway

The Islanders' fourth line, led by the hard-working trio of Cizikas, Gatcomb, and MacLean, demonstrated the importance of depth scoring and relentless effort in securing a crucial win. Their performance can serve as a spark for the rest of the team as they fight for a postseason berth.