New York Islanders Power Play Better Than You Thought

Doug Weight has been at the helm of the New York Islanders for nine games now. In that time he’s seen the Isles pick up 14 of 18 possible points and a 5% improvement on the power play.

Five percent doesn’t sound like much, but in the world of the power play efficiencies, it could turn the 26th ranked New York Islanders into the third-ranked power play in the league.

Before Doug Weight was handed interim head coaching duties by Garth Snow, the Isles power play was floundering at 13.6%.

Now with Capuano gone, the Islanders power play is clipping at a 22.6% efficiency with seven power play goals in 31 opportunities in their last nine games. That three power play goal night against the Kings certainly helped pad those numbers.

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But before taking on the Maple Leafs, the Islanders were actually riding a four-game power play goal streak. I don’t know what Doug Weight’s done, but it’s certainly had it desired effect on what was one of the worst power plays in the league.

Maybe it’s how he’s using Josh Bailey on the man advantage.

Josh Bailey Power Play Man

In 42 games under Jack Capuano, Josh Bailey had seven power play points. Now with just under a fifth of the games played under Doug Weight, Bailey has three and is on pace to double his power play production from the first half of the season.

Whether it be letting Josh be more creative with the puck, or a change in the way the players are playing around him. Josh Bailey looks like a new man on that power play. Not to mention just his overall production.

Seven points in his last five games and nine since Weight took over. Putting Bailey on pace for a record year of 61 points. His 41 points in 2014-15 is his current benchmark.

More from Eyes on Isles: Staying the Course, and Avoiding Julien

Bailey’s been great all year, but he’s found another gear under Doug Weight.

Next: Defence Needs To Play Some Defence

Which begs the questions: what exactly was going on when Capuano was here? Did Jack constantly undermine Weight’s decisions as the special team’s coach? After all, that was Weight’s responsibility under the Capuano regime…