Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Islanders Should Call-Up Ryan Pulock to Help Struggling Power Play

By Nick Ziegler

May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock (6) skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock (6) skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period in game five of the second round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The New York Islanders are reeling after another crucial loss this late in the season. What can they do to help the team?

After a great shootout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night, the New York Islanders have lost two straight games. The first loss to the Boston Bruins was certainly the worst one.

Due to the Bruins being the Islanders’ main competition for the final wild card spot, the two points on the line against them was huge. In that game, the Islanders only were able to score one goal, and they didn’t generate 20 shots on goal.

One of the most frustrating things about the offense that night was that they had six power play opportunities. Not cashing in on one of them certainly hurt the Islanders’ chances to win that game.

In Monday’s 3-1 loss to the Nashville Predators, the Islanders once again struggled offensively. For the second straight game, they were only able to score one goal. Also, they went zero-for-two on the power play.

With the season hanging in the balance, the Islanders could use a spark right now. Due to the struggles on the power play, the Islanders should consider bringing up defenseman Ryan Pulock.

Last season, Pulock was a solid contributor for the Islanders in the postseason. As a good offensive player, Pulock could certainly help an Islanders’ power play unit that has been struggling. This season, the Islanders ranked 26th in the NHL in power play percentage. That area has been a weakness for the Islanders all season, and Pulock could be an answer to fix it.

Despite playing well down the stretch for the Islanders last season, Pulock has only played one game in the NHL this season. In the AHL, Pulock has done well. He has totaled 23 points in his last 23 games for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and that type of offense would be welcomed.

Next: Top 5 Draft Picks in Last 10 Years for Isles

With just seven games remaining, the Islanders have to be playing at their best. The addition of Pulock to the lineup could be the spark that they need on offense.

Home/New York Islanders