Eyes On Isles
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New York Islanders Doug Weight is The Long-Term Answer

By Christopher Lizza

Mar 2, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Islanders interim head coach Doug Weight watches his team take on the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Islanders defeat the Stars 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Islanders interim head coach Doug Weight watches his team take on the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. The Islanders defeat the Stars 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the New York Islanders let go Jack Capuano and replaced him with Doug Weight on an interim basis. Over his first six weeks, Weight has shown the Islanders organization and the hockey world he has the makings of an excellent head coach. Doug Weight is the answer for the Islanders.

One of the best compliments people can give to Doug Weight is how seamless his appointment has been for the New York Islanders. It feels like Weight has been the Isles head man behind the bench for years.

This has been one of the reasons why the Islanders have played so well under Weight. The blue and orange are 13-5-3 so far under Weight. They’ve gone from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings to being right there for the second wild-card spot in the East.

New York Islanders

Demanding But Fair

Since taking over Weight has demanded a lot of the players. So far he has done a great job of balancing a strong message without being a tyrant.

The message has been clear on how Weight wants the team to play and what it will take to be an elite hockey team. So far the players have very much bought in and other than lopsided losses in Toronto and Columbus, the Islanders have played at a high level under Weight.

The Message

A big key for Weight has been the communication he has with the players. He has made it clear what he and the team need from each and everyone one of them.

By going with Weight, Garth Snow and ownership put someone in charge who already knows each player inside and out. Couple that with how well Weight is as a communicator and the organization made the right move going with Weight.

Keep in mind Weight is not shy to show the Islanders players, tough love. If it’s after a bad loss, a sloppy win, or in practice. Weight’s straight talk has communicated very well with his team.

It’s hard to believe that Weight has been with the Islanders organization since 2008. First as a player, then in the front office, followed by being behind the bench.

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At this point, Weight has shown he is the long-term answer for the Islanders behind the bench. Whether or not he is or isn’t that should be up to Weight.

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