COVID-19 Strikes Again: Barry Trotz & Ryan Pulock in Protocol

The New York Islanders have not played hockey in quite some time but the wait is close to over, maybe, with the New Jersey Devils on the schedule for a Thursday contest at UBS Arena.

COVID Questions Continue to Plague Islanders

While COVID-19 concerns forced the postponement of New Jersey’s Monday game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Islanders are now dealing with their own as head coach Barry Trotz and Ryan Pulock have been placed in COVID-19 protocol.

#Isles News: Head Coach Barry Trotz and Ryan Pulock have been placed in COVID-19 protocol.

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 11, 2022

Trotz missed the New Year’s Day contest against the Edmonton Oilers as well as the majority of the past week due to a personal matter.

He re-joined the Islanders back on Saturday, Jan. 8.  Now he will be out again and associate coach Lane Lambert will take control behind the bench for the scheduled contests against New Jersey on Thursday, Jan. 13, and against the Washington Capitals on Saturday, Jan. 15.

Lambert led all the practices while Trotz dealt with his personal matter and again led practice on Tuesday.

“Barry is such an empathetic guy himself,” Islanders captain Anders Lee said following practice on Tuesday. “Always looking after everyone in this organization… a good family man. He’s been through a lot lately now.”

“We know he’s itching to be back here and we’ll make sure we take care of business.”

Pulock has been out of the Islanders lineup since mid-November, as he suffered a lower-body injury against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Nov. 15. A four to six-week projected recovery time has turned into more than eight weeks.

Trotz gave an update on Monday following practice that Pulock is skating on his own and rehabbing.

“He’s still in his protocols in terms of his timeline,” Trotz said. “I know that he’s been seeing the doctor and going through all the stages, imagery, all that.”

“When they say he’s ready to hop over to the group then I’ll have an update for you.”

Pulock’s return to practice, even if ready, will be delayed at least five days with the protocol news.