The Islanders don’t play again until Friday, but their 1-3-0 start and a potential injury situation have prompted a change.
Ryan Pulock, the rookie defenseman with the booming slap shot, was recalled on an emergency basis from Bridgeport on Wednesday. Team sources indicated that the emergency designation, which is a short-term recall based on need, is due to an injury to one of the Isles’ regular defensemen that could impact the lineup when the Islanders host the Coyotes on Friday.
Pulock seemed ready to grab one of the six defense spots in training camp, but the Isles’ signing of veteran Dennis Seidenberg, coupled with a desire to keep three goaltenders as well as 19-year-old rookie forwards Anthony Beauvillier and Mathew Barzal meant Pulock, who does not need waivers, was expendable at the start of the season last week.