New York Islanders rout Dallas Stars in Doug Weight's coaching debut
Jan 19, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) reacts after scoring a short handed goal against the Dallas Stars during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Islanders put on a spirited effort Thursday night against the Dallas Stars at the Barclays Center. The game followed the skewed SOG total finishing at 3-0.

Ring in the Weight era

  • New York Islanders 3 (18-17-8, 44pts)
  • Dallas Stars 0 (19-20-8, 46pts)
  • NHL Final, Box Score
  • Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

Doug Weight began his coaching career with a resounding win Thursday night at the Barclays Center.

The Islanders played another complete game Thursday night with a very sound overall effort and the best 60-minute effort of the season.

The skewed shot total tells only half of the story.

The Islanders absolutely dominated the Dallas Stars outshooting them by a final tally of 36-23.

Kari Lehtonen had an uncharacteristic .946 save percentage in the loss, one of his best efforts of the season. The Islanders had a very noticeable edge in their game, channeling a lot of Weight’s spirit and energy in their play.

The Islanders intensity helped goaltender Thomas Griess secure his second straight shutout, the last time the Islanders had two consecutive shutouts was on Nov. 8 and 11 with Jaroslav Halak in goal.

Scoring Summary

John Tavares scored a highlight-reel goal 13:31 into the first period beating a Stars defenseman and Lehtonen.

The scoring would stay dry until the third period, but the opportunities came in droves.

Relentless in their offense, the Islanders continued to hammer at Lehtonen looking for any available space to let the puck meet twine.

The worst part about Weight’s debut was the power play which continues to be impressively poor.

The Islanders were 0-for-7 tonight on the power play and are 0-for-21 spanning the past six games.

Tavares would score twice for the Islanders in the winning effort, the second goal coming off of a breakaway shorthanded for his first-career shorthanded goal.

Calvin deHaan iced the game scoring on an empty-net with four seconds left in the game.

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.