Are you Pulock my leg? Defenseman out 4-6 weeks with lower body injury

Ryan Pulock waited two weeks to play for the big club and after one period in Brooklyn, he’ll have to wait a few more.

Pulock sustained a lower-body injury in the Islanders’ 3-2 win over Arizona last night, and will miss the next 4-6 weeks per the club.

Update: Turns out the “lower body” part that’s hurt is his foot. Oof.

The team officially placed Pulock on IR this morning and, in a move most never thought would come and that our own Michael Willhoft only ever saw in his darkest nightmares, placed enforcer emeritus Eric Boulton on waivers.

Although the Islanders got goals from fellow defensemen Dennis Seidenberg and Johnny Boychuk on Friday night, the coaching staff has been preaching about getting more scoring from the blueline all season so far. Jack Capuano even dropped some stats-y evidence in his post-game press conference about teams that get goals from their D being among the best in the league. I have no idea if he’s right or not, but his prognosis on Pulock missing a big chunk of time was correct so who knows.

Losing Pulock for more than a month is going to put a damper on the Islanders’ already struggling powerplay. During his short recent time in the AHL, he had been working on using that big point shot of his more frequently and being more assertive on the ice overall. Now he’s got to be assertive from the press box for a while.

There’s never a good time for an injury, but in Pulock’s case, he’s gunning for the team’s hard luck champion. He nearly made the team out of camp last season but was hurt in the final days and ended up back in Bridgeport. He missed some time in the playoffs due to an injury, too. Now, his chance at being integrated in the regular roster for (basically) a full season has been put on hold until at least December. That’s a bummer, especially for a kid with gifts and skills the Islanders need desperately.

There might be some sunshine on the horizon, though. Nick Leddy, who’s injury lead to Pulock’s recall in the first place, practiced today, possibly opening up the chance for him to play Sunday against Minnesota.

Whether Leddy can play or not, Adam Pelech better keep his cell phone handy.