Ryan Pulock is on the verge of getting his NHL career started which is why the New York Islanders are putting their money on him.
By Michael Iuzzini
Things may have become a little easier, or mentally tougher for Ryan Pulock when the New York Islanders traded Griffin Reinhart to the Edmonton Oilers.
Easier in the sense that Reinhart and Pulok would have been battling it out for the teams open defenseman spot come September. Harder, because Pulock is well aware of the pressure that is on him in having an exceptional camp that will land him a spot with the Isles.
With Reinhart out of the picture it is very clear that the Islanders staff is looking for Pulock to have a solid camp and make the big club. The 21-year-old D-Man is well aware what the organization wants and expects from him once camps begin.
Garth Snow is laying the bricks to the yellow brick road for the kid to get to the show. Snow removed Reinhart out of the picture and coaches and staff are not holding back what they are anticipating from Pulock.
Snow not bringing back Lubomir Visnovsky, who was one of the quarterbacks to the Islanders power play only proves that the team is hopeful Pulock will fill that role.
Wednesday night after the Blue/White scrimmage at the Barclays Center, Pulock showed his fire power with an 105 MPH slap shot.
Last season in Bridgeport in 54 games the kid registered 17 goals, 13 which were on the power play and 12 assists. He did miss some time with a groin injury.
Scott Mayfield will most likely be Pulok’s toughest camp opponent. Capuano went with Mayfield in Games 6 and 7 during the Washington Capitals series. This should light a fire under Pulock knowing that the team is not handing the spot over to him.
What Pulock brings is added offense from the back end to an already dynamic offensive team.
My gut tells me Pulok is readying himself for camp and will nail a spot on the Isles roster. If you read between the lines the club has Ryan as their heavy favorite to make the team out of camp.
He has a cannon of a shot which will give the two power play special teams a sick threat with Johnny Boychuk and Pulock quarterbacking the power-play units.
Having veteran players like Johnny Boychuk, Nick Leddy and Travis Hamonic will only help Pulock as he grows as an NHL defenseman.
Pulock is ready for the next step in his career. Right now it’s his spot to lose.
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