Looking back at the wild 2017-18 season for the NY Islanders

It’s impossible to say that the 2017-18 season was a good one for the NY Islanders, but it sure was memorable (maybe not for the right reasons).

After being named interim head coach at the end of the 2016-17 season following Jack Capuano’s firing, Doug Weight took over behind the bench. After going 24-12-4 to finish out the season, Weight was named head coach on April 12, 2017. 

Not the best memories from 2017-18

Under Weight, the Islanders played a run-and-gun style, where defense seemed to be optional at times. They finished the season eighth in goals scored per game at 3.18, but finished 31st out of 31 teams in goals allowed, surrendering 3.57 per game.

One of the players who flourished offensively under Weight was Mat Barzal. Failing to make the team his first season after being drafted, Barzal busted onto the scene, finishing his rookie season with 85 points (22 G, 63 A), which is still his career high. He finished the season with three 5-point games en route to the Calder Trophy.

Finishing the season with 80 points, 17 points out of playoff position, the drama wasn’t over for the Islanders. On June 5, 2018, Weight and GM Garth Snow were both let go by the organization. The Isles would soon name Lou Lamoriello as the new GM, and Barry Trotz as the head coach, just weeks after taking the Washington Capitals to Stanley Cup triumph.

Though key additions were made behind the bench and in the front office, their biggest piece of business was yet to be taken care of. Re-signing John Tavares. Though Tavares reiterated time and time again that his heart was set on remaining with the Islanders, on July 1, 2018, he agreed to a 7-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, departing Long Island as captain and returning to his hometown team.

The 2017-18 was an unforgettable one, though many fans would like to forget it all together.

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