Pulock's situation in NYI

[The Black Panther]

Ok 23 games in now. What do u think? Is he on his way to taking the next step?

[agentzero]

Ok 23 games in now. What do u think? Is he on his way to taking the next step?

I honestly don't think we have a star on our hands. We have a hard shot from the point and good offensive instincts. Below average skating and a much less than imposing defensive game. Johnny Boychuk 2.0, wothout the rough and tumble game. A shorter, less physical Sheldon Souray... He'll need an Andrei Markov to make him look good. Not sure that's Nick Leddy.

[lucafen4]

I honestly don't think we have a star on our hands. We have a hard shot from the point and good offensive instincts. Below average skating and a much less than imposing defensive game. Johnny Boychuk 2.0, wothout the rough and tumble game. A shorter, less physical Sheldon Souray... He'll need an Andrei Markov to make him look good. Not sure that's Nick Leddy.

Leddy's busy looking good himself

[Axeman33]

I honestly don't think we have a star on our hands. We have a hard shot from the point and good offensive instincts. Below average skating and a much less than imposing defensive game. Johnny Boychuk 2.0, wothout the rough and tumble game. A shorter, less physical Sheldon Souray... He'll need an Andrei Markov to make him look good. Not sure that's Nick Leddy.

23 games in and I think he's doing fine for a 23 year old Dman. I realize he hasn't exploded like us fantasy hockey guys wish he would but he's still a big part of the Islanders future and patience needs to be shown here. The good thing is that the Islanders don't need to rush him into a bad spot. They are bringing him a long at a good pace and letting him adjust to the NHL.

[agentzero]

23 games in and I think he's doing fine for a 23 year old Dman. I realize he hasn't exploded like us fantasy hockey guys wish he would but he's still a big part of the Islanders future and patience needs to be shown here. The good thing is that the Islanders don't need to rush him into a bad spot. They are bringing him a long at a good pace and letting him adjust to the NHL.

I completely agree, but just because he isn't an all-world talent, doesn't mean he can't develop into a useful player. I just don't see a superstar, probably not even a star. Heck of a slapshot though.

[lucafen4]

I get the feeling that with Pulock, he's just going to incrementally get better and better, one day we wake up and realize he's a regular 40+ pt underrated Dman

[agentzero]

I get the feeling that with Pulock, he's just going to incrementally get better and better, one day we wake up and realize he's a regular 40+ pt underrated Dman

That sounds about right. He might remain underrated.. but I tell ya, he really isn't a great skater, so his upside will be limited to his PP effectiveness.

[lucafen4]

That sounds about right. He might remain underrated.. but I tell ya, he really isn't a great skater, so his upside will be limited to his PP effectiveness.

and if Leddy continues like this... that PP effectiveness will remain limited.

[Axeman33]

That sounds about right. He might remain underrated.. but I tell ya, he really isn't a great skater, so his upside will be limited to his PP effectiveness.

There's no reason he and Leddy cannot be a solid pairing on the PP for years to come.

[lucafen4]

There's no reason he and Leddy cannot be a solid pairing on the PP for years to come.

Weight uses 4 forwards on both units (Boychuk 2nd unit currently - obviously that can change) but seems unlikely.

[Axeman33]

I didn't say this year. You're assuming Weight is there as long as Pulock. History shows that won't be the case.

[lucafen4]

I didn't say this year. You're assuming Weight is there as long as Pulock. History shows that won't be the case.

In retort... you're assuming Leddy will be there long term as well. I don't consider 5yrs really long term & I expect Weight to last 5yrs

[Axeman33]

In retort... you're assuming Leddy will be there long term as well. I don't consider 5yrs really long term & I expect Weight to last 5yrs

With four more years after this season left on his current deal, I like his chances of being there long term more than Doug Weights.

[lucafen4]

With four more years after this season left on his current deal, I like his chances of being there long term more than Doug Weights.

I see the leash Snow gave Capuano... and Weight's been getting better results. As long as this team floats and Snow is GM... Weight should remain the coach

[agentzero]

There's no reason he and Leddy cannot be a solid pairing on the PP for years to come.

I meant more in terms of it limiting Pulock's own ability to generate at the NHL level... even if he is paired with Leddy, I don't know that Leddy has the game to be the Markov to Pulock's Souray.. Maybe, but I'm not betting on it.