When the New York Islanders fired Jack Capuano the team was a point clear of Buffalo for the last place in the East. With 42 points in the same number of games played the outlook was bleak.
Appointing Doug Weight didn’t immediately calm the fanbase. He was, after all, on Jack Capuano’s coaching staff. How was he going to turn this team around? He wasn’t exactly a new voice, although the team went with that narrative for the hiring.
But did he ever turn things around? Before being appointed the Isles held a 17-25-8 record. By the end of the season and 39 games played the Isles went 24-12-4.