Cizikas has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Rangers due to an illness, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.

EDGE Analysis

Cizikas hadn't yet missed a game this season, but he'll be unavailable for the second half of a back-to-back set due to his illness. It's not yet clear when he'll be able to return, but he should tentatively be considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's game against Nashville. Max Shabanov will enter the lineup in Cizikas' absence Thursday.

Cizikas scored a shorthanded goal on two shots in Saturday's 4-3 overtime win over the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

Cizikas tied the game with 26 seconds left in the second period, and that goal ultimately forced overtime. The 34-year-old has four points over his last three games, but he went 11 contests without getting on the scoresheet prior to that. The veteran center is at six goals, 12 points, 32 shots on net, 96 hits, 35 blocked shots and a minus-1 rating over 45 appearances this season, mainly in a fourth-line role.

Cizikas recorded two goals and an assist in Tuesday's 9-0 win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Cizikas was one of the top performers for the Islanders in the game, but that's an oddity for the 34-year-old veteran, as he isn't known for his offensive contributions. He hadn't cracked the scoresheet since Dec. 9, when he recorded an assist in a loss to the Golden Knights. Cizikas has five goals and 11 points this season while occupying a bottom-six role.

Cizikas scored an empty-net goal in Saturday's 2-0 victory over the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

It was Cizikas on the spot (again) -- he put in an empty-netter Thursday against Colorado, too. The 34-year-old center isn't known for his offense, but his 70 hits put him 36th overall in the NHL. That's solid, but it may not be enough for him to be a category specialist for you.

Cizikas scored an empty-net goal and dished out three hits in Thursday's 6-3 win over Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Cizikas placed the finishing touch on Thursday's big win over the Avalanche, as the Islanders became just the second team to beat Colorado in regulation this season. With the empty-net tally, the 34-year old center is up to two goals, six points and 68 hits through 28 games this season. Cizikas has stayed his usual course this season, and if he can stay healthy, he should finish in the 15-25 point range for the fifth consecutive season. He continues to provide utility in fantasy leagues that value banger stats, as his 68 hits project him to finish with around 200 by the end of the season. If he reaches that number, it would be his second consecutive season doubling the century mark in hits, but his lackluster offensive output and sub-10 minutes of ice time per game make other options more appealing in fantasy than Cizikas.

Cizikas notched two assists in Thursday's 5-0 win over the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

The Islanders' fourth line carried the scoring load, as Cizikas, Calum Ritchie and Max Shabanov combined for three goals and seven points on the night. Cizikas snapped a seven-game point drought with the performance, and the veteran grinder has a goal and five points in 21 games this season with 47 hits and a minus-3 rating.

Cizikas scored a goal in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Sharks.

EDGE Analysis

Cizikas has filled his usual fourth-line role to begin the season, and he has one goal on two shots over six games. The defensive center has added 19 hits, four blocked shots and a minus-4 rating while averaging 10:21 of ice time, a steep drop from his 13:02 per game last season. He'll still produce hits and PIM, but don't expect much offense.

Cizikas logged an assist and two shots on goal in Thursday's 6-1 loss to the Blue Jackets.

EDGE Analysis

Cizikas recorded five points over the final 12 games of the season to salvage some scoring late in the year. He finished with 17 points in 82 games, his lowest output in the last three seasons. He also had a minus-13 rating, 97 shots on net, 51 PIM, 202 hits and 66 blocked shots while playing in a bottom-six role. Cizikas is under contract for two more years, so expect more of the same from the defensive center in 2025-26.

Cizikas scored a goal on two shots in Friday's 3-1 win over the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

Cizikas tied the game at 1-1 just 36 seconds after Mats Zuccarello opened the scoring for the Wild early in the second period. The 34-year-old Cizikas tipped a Noah Dobson shot in for the tally. This was Cizikas' third point in the last five games, and he's up to seven goals, 15 points, 84 shots on net, 197 hits, 45 PIM, 60 blocked shots and a minus-13 rating through 75 outings overall. He continues to fill a bottom-six role.

Cizikas scored a shorthanded goal and added an even-strength assist in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Canucks.

EDGE Analysis

His efforts briefly gave the Islanders a 2-1 lead midway through the second period, but the rest of the offense went cold. Cizikas snapped a nine-game point drought and an 11-game goal drought with the performance, and on the season he's produced six goals and 14 points in 71 appearances. While his 186 hits are two shy of his career high, his minus-15 rating would be a career worst.