The Islanders are going to be without Cal Clutterbuck for a while.

Clutterbuck, who exited Thursday’s loss against the Sabres during the second period, received the dreaded “out indefinitely” designation Saturday morning as the Islanders called up Aatu Raty to play on the fourth line ahead of their 5-2 loss to Carolina.

That would make it likely that the Islanders will burn the first year of Raty’s entry-level contract, as Raty played his eighth game with the club on Saturday. If he gets to 10, it will take a season off his three-year deal. The Finnish centerman skated for a team-low 8:28 on Saturday with Ross Johnston and Matt Martin on his wings.

As for Clutterbuck, this is the third time this year he’s missed time with injury. The NHL’s all-time hits leader, Clutterbuck turned 35 in November and his physically grinding style seems to be taking a toll.

“It’s tough,” his Identity Linemate Matt Martin said following Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the Sabres. “I think a lot of guys in here sacrifice their bodies, come playing banged up, whatever it is. Injuries are a part of the game, unfortunately. … Hopefully we’ll have some reinforcements here soon with a few of the guys that have been out for a while and get back on track that way.”

The reinforcements, though, didn’t come Saturday as Adam Pelech, Kyle Palmieri and Hudson Fasching all continued to sit as the Islanders describe them as day-to-day. Despite that designation, though — which has become nearly universal for the team — Lambert did not take an optimistic tone when asked if Pelech or Palmieri could play before the All-Star break.

“We’re hopeful. But again, they’re day-to-day,” Lambert said. “So we’ll just have to see how it goes.”

Following the Islanders’ eighth loss in nine games, Lambert tried to muster up something positive when asked about his message to the frustrated fan base.

“We’re working, we’re trying, we’re fighting through some different adversity,” he said. “We’ll continue to do so.”

That tracked with the messaging from Islanders players throughout this losing run, as they have tried to maintain a semblance of positivity and optimism despite the results being anything but.

“I don’t think any team in the league is immune to going through adversity and tough stretches,” Josh Bailey said. “That’s part of the grind of a season, that’s how you handle yourself. Nothing’s over. There’s still a lot of hockey left to be played.”