New York Islanders Three Stars From 4-2 Caps Win

4 of 4

Dec 27, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders left wing Andrew Ladd (16) reacts after scoring a goal during the second period against the Washington Capitals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

A+. 2 Goals, +2 Rating, 2 Shots on Goal. New York Islanders. . Andrew Ladd

Andrew Ladd is finally scoring in the bunches we were told he does. Two in last night’s game and another two within the last two weeks brings his total on the season to seven!

It also boosts his shooting percentage to 12.5% on the season. A number Andrew Ladd is more accustomed to over the course of his career (he’s averaged 12.35% not including this season).

It feels good, doesn’t it? If this continues, maybe, just maybe Ladd will be able to play close to what he’s being paid. Because let’s be honest, in a cap world, that’s generally all that matters when you alone account for roughly 7% of the team’s cap commitment.

Ladd still has a long way to go to win the hearts and minds of the Islanders faithful. He continues to take questionable penalties for someone in a leadership position. He’s invisible for frequent period of games. And just generally seems like a net detriment to the team when he’s on the ice.

But with two goals on the night. It certainly makes up for a single bad penalty, for which the Isles were able to kill anyways. And starts to show what he’s capable of.

Both goals were right-place-right-time types. The first was right on the open side after a nifty cross-ice pass from Thomas Hickey. The second came after Ladd ghosted his defender to stand alone at the post to redirect a slap-pass from Alan Quine. Right-place-right-time.

Next: Barzal Is Showing He Was Ready All Along

The Isles now head out west for a mini road trip before they get their collectively bargained by-week. First is a stop in Minnesota to take on the ten-wins-in-a-row Minnesota Wild, then to Winnipeg for a rip-roaring New Years Eve celebration in Manitoba’s capital city. Then 2017 starts with a back-to-back against Colorado followed by Arizona.