Islanders get good news on the injury front

It seems like Ryan Pulock is finally healthy. The New York Islanders right-shot defenseman was at morning practice on Thursday. The Islanders tweeted a picture of Pulock with the group as confirmation of his return.

You might be thinking: "Hasn't Pulock been skating for a little while now?" You'd be right. He's been on the ice in some way for a few days now. But being a full participant in practice is an entirely different development.

Under Lou Lamoriello, injured players are split from the team and only rejoin when fit. So getting Pulock at practice is a sign that he's close to being back. Of course, it doesn't mean Pulock will play for the Isles in tonight's game against the Kings.

Getting Ryan Pulock back is a huge piece of the puzzle for the Isles in their attempt to get back to where they want to be. Having Pulock return to play alongside Pelech gives the Islanders their elite defensive duo back. Combine that with the Chara-Dobson pair and the Isles are much more sound on the blueline than they have been for a while.

New York Islanders Good news on injury front

But again, Pulock won't likely be in the lineup tonight against the Kings. He's clearly going to be available soon. With that being said, we might see the return of one of the Isles injured players today. Kyle Palmieri could be back in the lineup.

Palmieri did not skate with the extra at the morning skate according to NYI Hockey Now's Stefen Rosner. A typical indication that a player is in the lineup for that day's game.

Palmieri hasn't had a great year so far without factoring in this injury that's kept him out of the lineup since December 17. His single goal and seven points in 25 games is not the return the Islanders were hoping for when they signed him to a four-year $20 million contract in the offseason.

Maybe the time off the ice rehabbing from his injury has given Palmieri the time he's needed to hit the reset button on his year. Assuming Kyle comes back and can convert shots to goals at a higher rate than this 1.8% average this year, he's going to be a huge addition to the lineup.