There’s any number of factors as to how the Islanders got from last in the Eastern Conference and 28th overall in the NHL on Jan. 17, the day Doug Weight took over for Jack Capuano, to where they are entering Saturday’s game in Columbus against the Blue Jackets.
That would be the second East wild-card spot and tied for 12th overall in the league after Thursday’s 3-0 win over the Canadiens moved the Isles to 12-4-2 since Weight took over.
Weight himself has played a role. Thomas Greiss’ solidifying play in net – he had 24 saves for his third shutout of the season on Thursday and surely will start against the Blue Jackets on Saturday – is another.