Josh Bailey, Ryan Pulock out of Islanders' lineup vs. Panthers
Islanders forward Josh Bailey (12) reacts during the third period of an NHL preseason game against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY, on Sunday, Sep 26, 2021. Credit: Brad Penner
SUNRISE, Fla. — Josh Bailey and durable defenseman Ryan Pulock could both miss more than just the Islanders’ 6-1 loss to the Panthers on Tuesday night at FLA Live Arena.
Bailey was placed in COVID-19 protocol after testing positive, though he was asymptomatic. He did not accompany the team back to New York after the game, instead remaining in a hotel in Florida to quarantine. He is the first Islander to be placed in COVID-19 protocol this season.
The Islanders next play on Saturday night when they open the $1.1 billion UBS Arena against the Flames. They also host the Maple Leafs on Sunday night.
Pulock (lower body), who likely was hurt in Monday night’s 4-1 loss to the Lightning, will be re-evaluated in New York and coach Barry Trotz said he had no update on a potential timeline for his return.
He had just set the franchise’s ironman record for defenseman by playing in his 263rd consecutive game in Monday night’s 4-1 loss to the Lightning, passing Hall of Famer Denis Potvin.
Pulock’s absence allowed Noah Dobson to draw back in after being a healthy scratch Monday.
Isles files
The Islanders and UBS Arena Partners announced a five-year deal with Orange Comet, powered by Avalanche Blockchain, for team-themed NFTs (non-fungible tokens). The first one will be available on Saturday to coincide with the opening of the Islanders’ new home…Casey Cizikas returned to the lineup after missing Monday’s game with non-COVID-19 illness . . . The Islanders allowed four goals in a period for the second time in four games. They lost, 5-2, at Minnesota on Nov. 7 after taking a one-goal lead into the third period . . . Kieffer Bellows’ assist was his first point of the season and his first assist since his NHL debut on Feb. 4, 2020 . . . The Panthers’ six goals matched the most the Islanders have allowed this season.
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
