Ladd rediscovers scoring touch in second game under Weight

It's safe to say 2016-17 hasn't been kind to New York Islanders veteran Andrew Ladd. But last night the former Winnipeg Jet turned back the clock.

The 31-year-old, who signed a seven-year, $38.5-million deal with New York last summer, has been a major disappointment through the majority of his first season in Brooklyn, posting just 14 points through 43 games thus far.

But it seems the presence of new head coach Doug Weight is helping Ladd find his game. That was certainly the case last night, as Ladd dominated against the Montreal Canadiens, posting two goals - including a flat out snipe for the game-winner - to earn his second multi-point effort of the season.

The two-goal showing - which ended a six-game pointless streak for Ladd - came in the veteran's second appearance with Weight behind the bench. Ladd was sidelined with an upper-body injury for four games in mid-January, during which time Weight replaced Jack Capuano as head coach.

Ladd was quick to highlight Weight's leadership as a driving factor in his resurgence.

"I think he's brought some emotion and excitement each and every night," Ladd told NHL.com's Brian Compton. "He's a personal guy who can instill confidence in you and likes to be personable around the group, so I think that's a big part of it. I think he believes in this group. He's kind of known since the start of the year that we have what it takes in here to play good hockey and be one of the top teams."

The Islanders finished with a 3-1 win when all was said and done, earning their fourth win in five games since Weight's debut.

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