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Ryan Pulock on the Rise
- Updated: June 6, 2016
Ryan Pulock’s reputation preceded him coming into the NHL.
He was known for his booming slap shot, which made a lot of noise in Brandon, Manitoba – the Western Hockey League’s eastern-most outpost.
It’s easy to see only that in his game, especially when he’s hitting 105 mph on the radar gun, but Pulock proved that there’s more to his offensive side, whether he was leading rushes or reading defenses as a power-play quarterback. And he did it in the playoffs, no less.
“Growing up through junior I’ve always been that player where I’ve been in the rush a lot, creating offensively,” Pulock said. “I think it was only a matter of time while I was here gaining that confidence and feeling comfortable out there. I was able to do it a bit at the end.”
Creating offense means knowing when to pass, as well as shoot. Perhaps one of the added benefits of being known for a Johnny Boychuk-esque slap shot is that other teams are expecting it. In Game 4 of the 2016 playoffs against the Florida Panthers (and the regular-season finale vs. Philadelphia) Pulock wound up for big drive, only to find a seam and pass it off.
Against the Panthers, he found John Tavares for a power-play goal. Against the Flyers, he placed the puck onto Matt Martin’s stick for a backdoor tap-in. He had three points (1G, 2A) in six playoff games.
“That’s what we want to see,” coach Jack Capuano said. “When Ryan came in, he was playing a little safe. He …
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