New York Islanders host Dallas Stars, first game under Doug Weight 2
Feb 17, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders assistant coach Doug Weight talks to forward John Tavares (91) during a time out against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Islanders defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

This game will have a little more “Weight” to it when the New York Islanders host the Dallas Stars on Thursday night at the Barclays Center. The Islanders will play their first game under a new head coach for the first time in six years.

  • New York Islanders (17-17-8, 42pts)
  • Dallas Stars (19-19-8, 46pts)
  • Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
  • MSG+; 660AM, 101.9FM, 88.7FM

A new era begins

In the wake of the firing of head coach Jack Capuano, the Islanders will hit the ice under a new bench boss in Doug Weight.

Weight’s transition has been a quick one, having seen Capuano fired on Tuesday and now the Islanders have had about 48 hours to adjust before today’s game.

The Islanders players have not been adamant about the change. Despite bearing the guilt for the firing of their former coach, the players know there is a job to be done.

Since Weight has taken over, things have gotten visibly chipper during practices. Those who know Weight as a player will see how he is beginning to affect the team as a whole. If everything goes as planned, the Islanders will play a very high-intensity kind of game the rest of the season.

Roster Changes

Unfortunately for the Islanders, both Andrew Ladd and Cal Clutterbuck are listed as day-to-day with the ambiguous upper and lower body injuries, respectively.

Travis Hamonic has been listed as week-to-week as well with a knee injury.

The severity of the injury is unknown, but it seems that he will be sidelined for some time. In the meantime, Weight said Adam Pelech would continue to skate in his place next to Nick Leddy.

Additionally, Johnny Boychuk (who is celebrating his 33rd birthday today!) is listed as day-to-day. Scott Mayfield will take his place in the lineup. Not the most ideal way to celebrate, but happy birthday, Mr. Boychuk!

The rest of the Islanders lineup will remain the same as it has been. Meaning Thomas Greiss will indeed receive his seventh straight start.

Greiss is repeating his career numbers from last season, posting a .925 save percentage and a 2.41 GAA through 21 games so far this season.

Grew up a diehard Islanders and Mets fan based out of Northern New Jersey. Concluding my Broadcast Communications degree at William Paterson University. WP Sportsdesk member, Stan Fischler correspondent, music buff and total Star Wars freak. Follow my social media handles to learn more. Matt Di Giacomo is a Staff Writer for the Islanders on Elite Sports NY. He encourages team discussion. Tweet him @mdigiacESNY and check out his reviews on YouTube.