Islanders Lose to Ducks Without Injured Defenseman Ryan Pulock

Pulock missed the game due to an upper body injury, but is expected to return soon.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The New York Islanders lost 5-1 to the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night without defenseman Ryan Pulock, who missed the game due to an upper body injury. Pulock was a full participant in the morning skate, but did not feel ready to play in the game. The Islanders struggled without Pulock, as his absence was heavily felt. Adam Boqvist filled in for Pulock, making his first appearance since January 26th. The Islanders' head coach Patrick Roy is hopeful that Pulock will be able to play in the team's next game against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday.

Why it matters

Ryan Pulock is a key defenseman for the Islanders, logging over 21 minutes of ice time per game and contributing 24 points so far this season. His absence was noticeable as the Islanders struggled against the Ducks, highlighting his importance to the team. The Islanders are hoping Pulock's injury is short-term and that he can return to the lineup soon.

The details

Pulock was a full participant in the Islanders' morning skate on Wednesday, but head coach Patrick Roy announced shortly after that Pulock would not play in the game against the Ducks due to an upper body injury. Roy said it was a game-time decision, but Pulock did not feel ready to play. Adam Boqvist, who had not played since January 26th, filled in for Pulock on the Islanders' third defensive pair. The Islanders struggled without Pulock, as his absence was heavily felt, especially on the top defensive pair with Matthew Schaefer.

  • Pulock briefly left Sunday's win over the Panthers with what appeared to be a shoulder injury, but quickly returned to the game.
  • Pulock was a full go at Wednesday morning's skate.
  • Pulock did not play in the Islanders' 5-1 loss to the Ducks on Wednesday, March 5, 2026.
  • The Islanders' next game is against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Ryan Pulock

A key defenseman for the New York Islanders who logs over 21 minutes of ice time per game and has contributed 24 points so far this season.

Patrick Roy

The head coach of the New York Islanders.

Adam Boqvist

A defenseman for the New York Islanders who filled in for the injured Ryan Pulock, making his first appearance since January 26th.

Tony DeAngelo

A player for the New York Islanders who commented on Pulock's absence.

Leo Carlsson

A Swedish center for the Anaheim Ducks who was praised by Patrick Roy as 'a special player'.

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What they’re saying

“You're always going to feel [it] when one of your better guys is out. Boqy played a real good game, filled in nicely. It's always next man up, we can't think too much of that.”

— Tony DeAngelo, Islanders player (The Post)

“It was based on the morning skate. Game-time decision, but he didn't feel ready to play. We'll wait for tomorrow.”

— Patrick Roy, Islanders head coach (N/A)

What’s next

The Islanders are hopeful that Ryan Pulock will be able to play in their next game against the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, March 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Ryan Pulock's absence was heavily felt by the Islanders, as the team struggled without their key defenseman in the loss to the Ducks. Pulock's importance to the team has been underrated, and his potential return for the next game against the Kings will be crucial for the Islanders.