# NY Islanders Fourth Line Makes Immediate Impact

> New York Islanders' fourth line delivers physical play and scoring chances in debut game.
- Title: NY Islanders Fourth Line Makes Immediate Impact | Shortify
- Summary: New York Islanders' fourth line delivers physical play and scoring chances in debut game. New York Islanders' fourth line of Kyle MacLean, Mitchell Chaffee…
- Keywords: ny islanders, kyle maclean, mitchell chaffee, casey cizikas, nhl, islanders, fourth line, physical play, scoring chances, sports, Fourth, Line
- Source: New York Islanders On SI — https://si.com/nhl/islanders/onsi/news/ny-islanders-new-fourth-line-makes-immediate-two-way-impact
- Published: 2026-10-21T17:45:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ny islanders, kyle maclean, mitchell chaffee, casey cizikas, nhl, islanders, fourth line, physical play, scoring chances, sports
## Islanders depth tested early
New York Islanders' depth has been tested in the early 2026-27 season due to injuries.
## Barzal and two injured players
Star forward Mathew Barzal is not skating with the team after knee injury; center Calum Ritchie and winger Matias Maccelli suffered lower-body injuries against Toronto Maple Leafs.
## Lineup changes made
Kyle MacLean, a healthy scratch, made season debut against Anaheim Ducks; Mitchell Chaffee was recalled from Hamilton Hammers.
## Fourth line formation
MacLean, Chaffee and Casey Cizikas formed fourth line with limited acclimation time ahead of game.
## Immediate physical impact
Chaffee dropped gloves for second time in NHL after crushing Frank Vatrano near Ducks' bench.
## Chaffee's physicality
Chaffee, listed at 6 feet and 197 pounds, did not back down despite size difference from 6-foot-3 AJ Greer.
## Chaffee's game impact
Chaffee played 9:13 on ice; MacLean received 9:56 minutes with five hits and one faceoff win.
## Offensive opportunities
The line created three scoring chances during even-strength 5-on-5 hockey.
## Coaching praise
Coach DeBoer said the line delivered physicality, energy and puck possession shifts.
## Future potential
The line will be watched as they prove worth with Maccelli sidelined two weeks and Ritchie four weeks.
## Key takeaway

New York Islanders' fourth line of Kyle MacLean, Mitchell Chaffee and Casey Cizikas made immediate impact with physical play and three scoring chances in their NHL debut.