For most of the offseason, it was assumed that Alexander Romanov would be the only new face in the Islanders’ opening night lineup. On the eve of Thursday’s match against the Panthers at UBS Arena, though, it looks as though there will be another.
Nikita Soshnikov, who was signed at the onset of training camp after spending the past three seasons in Russia’s KHL, has been skating with Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin as part of the fourth line in practice this week. With Cal Clutterbuck on injured reserve and doubtful for Thursday with shoulder soreness, that means Soshnikov looks like his likely replacement.
“I think he fits well in that role,” head coach Lane Lambert said following Wednesday’s practice. “He’s fast, he’s physical. And he’s a pretty good penalty killer.”
Introducing a new face into the Identity Line — traditionally comprised of Martin, Cizikas and Clutterbuck with Ross Johnston as the default substitute when either winger is out of the lineup — is a compelling move by Lambert, even if it’s only temporary. Soshnikov, who is listed at 5-foot-11, 174 pounds, certainly has a physical element to his game. But during the preseason, he’s shown his calling card to be skating and speed, with an impressive shot to go with it.
Nikita Soshnikov, skating with the puck during a preseason game against the Devils, has been on the Identity Line with Casey Cizikas and Matt Martin. AP
The more offensive-minded game he’s shown is a departure from the regular M.O. of the fourth line, which made a name for itself by playing physical, forechecking hockey that didn’t produce many goals but made the Islanders a hard team to play against.
“He’s definitely a different player than Marty and I,” Cizikas told The Post. “That just brings a different element to what we do.” We’re not gonna change our game. We’re gonna continue playing hard, we’re gonna be physical, we’re gonna try and create a little havoc out there and when he gets the puck, just try to get open for him.”
Soshnikov, who played with the Maple Leafs when Lamoriello was the general manager there, had four goals and 12 assists in 33 KHL games last season with CSKA Moscow and Avangard Omsk.
“He skates really well,” Cizikas said. “He’s got a good shot, he’s got good vision. He works hard. He’s willing to learn every chance he gets. … You can see as camp has gone on, he’s developed a kind of confidence out there where he knows he belongs.”
Lambert expects Scott Mayfield (illness) to play Thursday.
Clutterbuck (shoulder soreness) skated on his own before Wednesday’s practice. He was part of the fifth line — aka the Extras — with Johnston and Oliver Wahlstrom during practice.
