Islanders Lose DeAngelo for 1-2 Weeks During Playoff Push

Defenseman injured in loss to Blackhawks, but Pulock returns to lineup

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:52am

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The New York Islanders announced that defenseman Tony DeAngelo will miss 1-2 weeks with a lower-body injury suffered in the team's loss to the Blackhawks on Tuesday. The Islanders did get some good news, as defenseman Ryan Pulock returned to the lineup on Thursday against the Stars after missing two games with his own lower-body injury.

Why it matters

DeAngelo's absence is a significant blow to the Islanders' defensive corps as the team makes a playoff push. The Islanders are currently battling for a postseason spot, so losing a key defenseman like DeAngelo could hamper their chances down the stretch.

The details

DeAngelo was injured while getting back to defend an odd-man rush against the Blackhawks, leaving the game in the first period and not returning. With DeAngelo out, the Islanders had to shuffle their defensive pairings, with Carson Soucy taking DeAngelo's usual spot alongside Adam Pelech, and Scott Mayfield playing on his off side with Adam Boqvist. The Islanders may need to call up their seventh defenseman, George, to help fill the void left by DeAngelo's absence.

  • On March 28, 2026, the Islanders announced that DeAngelo will miss 1-2 weeks with a lower-body injury.
  • On March 30, 2026, the Islanders defeated the Stars 2-1, with Ryan Pulock returning to the lineup after missing two games with a lower-body injury of his own.

The players

Tony DeAngelo

A defenseman for the New York Islanders who will miss 1-2 weeks with a lower-body injury.

Ryan Pulock

A defenseman for the New York Islanders who returned to the lineup on March 30, 2026 after missing two games with a lower-body injury.

Carson Soucy

A defenseman for the New York Islanders who took DeAngelo's usual spot on the right side of Adam Pelech's pairing.

Scott Mayfield

A defenseman for the New York Islanders who played on his off side to the left of Adam Boqvist with DeAngelo out.

Adam Boqvist

A defenseman for the New York Islanders who is usually the seventh defenseman but has been in the lineup more recently.

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What they’re saying

“Felt like yesterday I made some improvements and then this morning I felt good. Just as long as I can help this team, obviously I'm going.”

— Ryan Pulock

“I'm sure he's excited. First, it's fun to see him there, see how hard he had to work to get back where he is today. It's fun for the guys as well, for him and for us, seeing him back. I'm not saying he's gonna play tonight, but I'm sure he feels good to be with the boys and enjoy the guys.”

— Lane Roy, Islanders Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.