Ryan Strome a surprise scratch for Islanders in Game 5

The Islanders' Ryan Strome skates during practice at IceWorks on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, before Game 1 of their playoff series against the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Photo Credit: Howard SchnappSUNRISE, Fla. — Marek Zidlicky in for the injured Ryan Pulock on defense wasn’t a big surprise. Perhaps the shock came up front for the Islanders in Game 5 Friday night, with Ryan Strome a healthy scratch and veteran Steve Bernier taking Strome’s spot in the lineup for the crucial game.

Strome had a goal and assist in Game 1 but had been scoreless the next three. His primary line, with rookies Shane Prince and Alan Quine, had been pretty effective in limited minutes the first four games, but…