The New York Islanders hosted the Carolina Hurricanes last night, ultimately earning a 3-2 win in overtime.
Unfortunately, though, the team lost one of their most important players early in the contest.
Veteran defenseman Ryan Pulock left the game with an injury after he was tripped up by Hurricanes forward Jackson Blake early in the first period.
Several fans complained that the play was dirty, with many calling it a slew-foot.
Some went so far as to say that Blake deserves to be suspended for the play.
Unfortunately for the Islanders, Pulock was injured badly enough on the play that he did not return to the game.
This could factor into the decision the Department of Player Safety makes as players often receive more harsh disciplinary action when they injure another player.
NHL teams are known for being rather secretive when it comes to player injuries and the Islanders are perhaps the most notorious for this.
As such, it should come as no surprise that the team has not updated us on his status yet.
Pulock has been the most consistent presence on the Islander's blueline this season, appearing in all 48 games so far and putting up 16 points.
He is averaging just under 22 minutes of ice time per game, including more than 2 minutes a night short-handed.
He is one of the most staunch defenders in the league and will be a big loss should the Islanders lose him for an extended period.
Hopefully, he will return to the lineup quickly. Until then, we will have to look to the DoPS to see if Jackson Blake will receive any kind of punishment for the hit.