Islanders Grading Defenseman Ryan Pulock’s Season So Far

In an already shortened season, New York Islanders defensemen Ryan Pulock has been playing very well. Pulock is one-half of the number one defensive pair on the Islanders with his counterpart Adam Pelech. Pulock has been a big force on the ice this season for New York.

In the 2018-19 season, Pulock played arguably his best year. He had 37 points off of nine goals and 28 assists in 82 games played. Pulock was on track for a career year before the season was paused because of the COVID pandemic. In the 68 games played in 19-20, he had 35 points off of 10 goals and 25 assists.

In December of last year, Eyes on Isles put up an article talking about the expectations of Ryan Pulock that you can read here. The expectations of Pulock for this season to be something of a  30-point player. If he could net 10 goals and 20 assists his 20-21 season would be a success.

Pulock’s Season So Far

On the season Pulock has 12 points coming off of 12 assists. The season is a little bit more than halfway through now with 32 games of 56 played. However, Pulock is still looking for his first goal of the season.

Although the goal line might not make it seem like it, Pulock has been playing well on the offensive side of the ice. With 12 assists, Pulock has been finding the open guy and giving them a good pass to be able to get a goal.

Defensively he has been playing very well. This season he has been on the ice over 20 minutes per game and taking over 20 shifts every game. He is making the most of his minutes by making very good defensive plays and helping to prevent shots by poking the puck free or blocking it from hitting the net.

The Grade for Ryan Pulock’s Season So Far: B+

I think this is a fair grade to give Pulock so far on the season. Pulock has been one of the best defensive players on the Islanders and continues to show that night in and night out. We all hope for goals but that doesn’t always define a person’s worth to a team. In Pulock’s case, it definitely doesn’t.