New York Islanders Future Core Players Are Here Now

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NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 13: Ryan Pulock #6 of the New York Islanders reacts against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first period during their game at Barclays Center on February 13, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Ryan Pulock

The man with the slapshot. It was unfair, but before getting to the NHL Ryan Pulock had but one trait; his slapshot. We’ve all seen the video from New York Islanders training camp this season. Where was a glass behind the glass shattered?

Must See: Ryan Pulock Casually Breaks Glass With Slapshot

But Pulock was more than that. Pulock led all defensemen with the New York Islanders AHL affiliate in points with 46. He was also a great power play quarterback.

But as Islanders training camp wrapped up this season we weren’t sure if Pulock was going to get a spot. it almost seemed that Devon Toews had outplayed him and might even take his spot at the start of the season. Toews didn’t, but it was close.

Even then, Pulock didn’t get much of a look. Until the Islanders power play was dead last in the league without a single success. Remember? Remember how the Islanders power play went 0-for-20 before Pulock was put in the lineup?

In his first game of the season, Pulock put up a power play point and things steadily got better from there for the man with a cannon.

Ryan Pulock’s slapshot is still an important part of his game. But throughout the season, Pulock has become a better defender and an all-around presence for the Islanders.

Pulock now has 29 points, ranking fourth in rookie defenseman scoring and tied for first in goals for rookie D with nine.

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Ryan Pulock is turning into a top pair defenseman. He still has a lot to learn. But at the rate that he’s learning his lessons at the NHL he shouldn’t take too long to get there.