NYIHN Exclusive: Ryan Pulock Talks Matt Martin’s Impact

Last night, The New York Islanders and their fans celebrated Matt Martin. The moment was touching and emotional as you’d expect. Even the Washington Capitals got involved.

Unsurprisingly, emotions ran very high in the Islanders’ room after the game. Matt Martin reflected on it, talking about how he didn’t expect anything, and then said, “I was standing on the ice by myself long enough. It’s good to have my friends with me.”

After that, Martin reflected on this era of the Islanders, one that’s seemingly coming to an end:

“Certainly great memories and heartbreaking ones at the same time. Game 7 losing 1-0 on a short-handed goal is still the most emotional I’ve probably ever been. Most of the guys in this room will probably have ever been. We had great teams those years and it was just such a good run. Even the bubble, being away from your family for two and a half months made us so close as a team. While it was tough in the moment, it’s something you look back on and can find appreciation for. Like I said, it’s a special team, a special group. We do have some strong memories together. It fell short, but that’s how life goes.”

Before Martin spoke, I got to talk with Ryan Pulock about it all. Pulock, a career Islander in his 10th season, had clear emotions about the moment. Here’s my full exchange:

Ryan Pulock Exclusive:

Q- What has Matt Martin meant to you over the years?

A- “It’s tough. He’s been such a big part here. The friendship that we created, the friendship that he’s created in this locker room. What he’s meant to this locker room since he’s been here and obviously since I’ve been here. It’s emotional to see that. He’s one of my favorite teammates for sure. So I think a nice send-off if this is it for him.

You know, he’s done a lot for this franchise. He’s done a lot for the individuals in here. He’s done a lot for the community around here with his foundation work. I think just an A-plus person and he’s carried himself the right way throughout his career. He’s stuck up for his teammates. So it’s special to be a part of tonight.”

Q- What does it say about him that the Capitals stayed out to shake his hand?

A- “I think he’s probably one of the more respected players around the league. He always sticks up for his teammates. He’s never been a dirty player and plays the game the right way, plays hard. I think there are probably guys in the league who probably didn’t like playing against him because of the way he played. But I don’t think there’s ever a dirty play by him. He was straight up and I think that’s why he has respect around this game.”

Pulock had emotions swelling by the time he finished discussing the moments with me. The clear amount of love and respect that Martin commands from his teammates is profound.