The New York Islanders are juggling some key lineup questions as they prepare for Saturday’s matinee against the Buffalo Sabres. One of their defensive anchors, Ryan Pulock, is dealing with an upper-body injury and is currently listed as day-to-day.
Pulock was notably absent from practice Friday morning, sparking concern about his availability. The 31-year-old blueliner is scheduled to see a doctor for further evaluation, and while the team hasn’t disclosed the nature of the injury, there were signs something was off during Tuesday night’s 4-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken.
Pulock logged just 16:35 of ice time-well below his season average-and didn’t take a shift in the final five minutes of regulation. He finished the game with one shot on goal and one blocked shot.
If Pulock can’t go on Saturday, expect Tony DeAngelo to step into a top-pairing role alongside rookie Matthew Schaefer. That would be a big ask for DeAngelo, but it’s also a chance for the Isles to see how their depth holds up in a pressure spot.
Pulock has been a steady presence on the back end all season, suiting up in all 50 games so far. He’s chipped in offensively with two goals and 19 assists, and his +9 rating reflects the kind of responsible, two-way game the Islanders have come to rely on. He’s averaging just over 21 minutes per night, often drawing tough matchups and playing in all situations.
Meanwhile, there’s some good news up front: Bo Horvat appears close to returning. The veteran forward has been sidelined since New Year’s Day with a lower-body injury he suffered against the Utah Mammoth, missing the last nine games.
Head coach Patrick Roy sounded optimistic about Horvat’s status for Saturday, saying, “Oh, god, yeah. It’s nice to have him back.”
The Isles have held their own during Horvat’s absence, going 5-3-1 and staying in the top three in the Metropolitan Division. But make no mistake-getting him back would be a major boost.
Horvat still leads the team in goals and ranks second in total points, with 21 goals and 11 assists through 36 games. He’s been a driving force for the Islanders’ offense, and his return couldn’t come at a better time as the team looks to solidify its playoff position.
So while Pulock’s status remains uncertain, the potential return of Horvat offers a dose of optimism. The Islanders are navigating the grind of the season with their eyes firmly on the postseason, and how they manage these lineup changes could go a long way in shaping their stretch run.