The Curious Case Of Isaiah George

The Islanders recalled Isaiah George, but he hasn’t played despite recent defensive struggles. Is it time for New York to give the young blueliner a shot?

On March 24, the New York Islanders recalled defenseman Isaiah George from Bridgeport.

At the time, Ryan Pulock was a game-time decision against the Chicago Blackhawks after missing the Columbus Blue Jackets game. George’s recall indicated that general manager Mathieu Darche saw him as the top backup after rotating through other defensive options all season.

However, Pulock played. George watched from the UBS Arena press box. The expectation? He’d head back to Bridgeport after the game and rejoin their playoff push.

Then things changed.

Against Chicago, defenseman Tony DeAngelo suffered a lower-body injury, reopening the door for George to draw in for the first time since Jan. 24 and Jan. 26 — his only two NHL games this season before Darche acquired Carson Soucy from the New York Rangers to stabilize the left side with Alexander Romanov sidelined.

But four games later, George still hasn’t played.