Islanders' Ryan Pulock: Did not suffer a setback

The reason Pulock (upper body) didn't play Tuesday wasn't related to an injury setback, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports.

Analysis:

All signs were pointing towards a return to action in Game 3 for Pulock but he ended up being scratched. Coach Jack Capuano has been known to be loyal to a fault with his veteran players, so perhaps that is the reason he kept Marek Zidlicky in the lineup -- or perhaps he just wanted to give Pulock a couple of extra days to heal. Either way, he's expected to play in Game 4 on Friday.