A successful Capuano challenge leads to this Pulock PP goal. 2-1 Florida. #Isles #StanleyCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/ZBbsWy69UM
— Elite Sports NY (@EliteSportsNY) April 18, 2016
Ryan Pulock: The Chosen One
Long after the New York Islanders 2015-16 season has come to a close, fans will forever wonder just what it was that kept Ryan Pulock from taking his rightful place in the starting lineup for the Isles.
To be fair to the coaching staff/management, there has been speculation that the organization was a tad gun shy about rushing their top defensive prospect into the big leagues. Such a strategy has bit the Islanders previously, and Garth Snow and co. were apparently not in the mood to have it happen again.
But after seeing the big righty blast a power play goal past Roberto Luongo to get the Islanders on the board, it is still an indictment against the organization that he didn’t make an appearance earlier in the season.
Yes, the rookie is prone to the mistakes that..well..a rookie makes. But his defensive lapses can be forgiven solely for what the man brings to the offensive side.
For a defensive grouping that saw a few underachievers (Johnny Boychuk, Nick Leddy, Calvin de Haan, I’m looking at you), it’s refreshing to see someone who’s a legitimate threat to put the puck in the back of the net game in and game out.
Oh, and Brian Strait should never see the ice again (positive in itself).