The Weight Is Over, Islanders Get Their Captain Back

The New York Islanders received a late Christmas gift for their game in Ottawa last night on New Years Eve, and it came in the form of the return of their captain, Doug Weight.

It has been a long wait for Weight, who has been out of the lineup with what was described earlier this season as an "upper-body injury". After missing 30 games with what turns out was a serious shoulder injury, Weight opted to skip season ending surgery in an attempt to help out his struggling team. Prior to last night, the last game Weight had played in was November, 6th—a loss to the New Jersey Devils.

In 12 games played this season, Weight was scoreless and had six assists. His absence was a big loss however—especially on the power play where the Islanders have been struggling.

It should come as no surprise that Weight was on the ice for a power play goal last night in Ottawa, he did not receive an assist on the play—but it's no coincidence. Weight is often instrumental in making subtle moves and passes that turn out to be key plays as the Islanders power play quarterback.

Despite missing 30 games, Weight had 15 shifts in a shootout loss to the Senators last night and his time on ice was 15:44, over five minutes of which were on the power play.

It should be interesting seeing just how much of an impact that Doug Weight's return to action will have on the Islanders the next couple of games, good captains usually right their ships while at the helm. That's just what the Islanders need.