Kevin Allen

USA TODAY Sports

During Doug Weight’s 1,238-game NHL career, he was always the ultimate warrior in-game and consummate gentleman afterward.

He worked at discovering the proper balance between his competitiveness and his humanity. It appears to be the same emotional blend he has used as an interim coach with the New York Islanders to put them into playoff contention.

“You are always going to keep it light,” Weight told USA TODAY Sports. “You always have to enjoy coming to the office, no matter what you are doing for a living. The more confident, the more good you feel about yourself, you are going to play better.”

When Weight replaced the fired Jack Capuano on Jan. 17, the Islanders were 17-17-8 and in last place in the Metropolitan Division. They were eight points out of a playoff spot. Under Weight’s command, the Islanders have gone 12-4-2 and now hold a wild-card spot.

“To me, coaching is about transparency,” Weight said. “It’s about honesty. And you have to speak in a respectful way.”

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He said the best coaching advice he received came from former NHL player Trent Klatt.

“He told me everyone on that bench knows what you're thinking, so don’t try to pull anything,” Weight said, chuckling. “He said they are all thinking what you were thinking when you were in their seat.”

Weight said it’s a lie to say that you are going to treat every player the same because players have different levels of ability.

“But everyone has to hear that I talk to everyone the same,” he said.

Weight admits that he’s still learning because it wasn’t his post-career objective to be an NHL coach. When general manager Garth Snow offered him the opportunity to be an assistant coach and assistant general manager following his career as a player in 2011, he thought the opportunity was too great to pass up.

“I’ve had a lot on my plate, but I’ve learned a lot and I love both parts of the game,” Weight said. “But I will be honest and say I would not be here if I didn’t trust (Snow) and if I hadn’t been treated so well by (former owner) Charles Wang and if I didn’t trust new ownership. The professionalism in our work place – I trust it. It’s a great place to be.”

Weight said he stayed with the Islanders because he wanted to help.

“It was a tough day when Jack was fired because I love Jack,” Weight said. “But I was ready. I had been taking notes. I didn’t see coaching in my future. But I’ve been invigorated by it. And I’m going to put everything I had into it.”

Weight has changed the way the Islanders play, and his stamp is on their approach and strategy.He said the team’s early-season struggles resulted partially from the team having difficulty adjusting to the loss of Frans Nielsen, Kyle Okposo and Matt Martin and the struggles of their newcomers, Andrew Ladd and Jason Chimera. Now that Ladd and Chimera have grown more comfortable, they have helped key the team's turnaround. Weight also said his goaltending has been sharp and John Tavares has been exceptional.

His work has been so impressive to the point that he might be putting himself in a position to become involved with Team USA if NHL players compete at the next Olympics, especially if USA Hockey officials seek new voices and fresh perspectives. Chris Chelios and Bill Guerin have also been mentioned, and all three of those players were teammates on the 1996 U.S. World Cup championship team.

But all Weight is thinking about is making sure is Islanders make the playoffs. One of his missions is to improve the team’s 9-13-4 road record. That may test his powers of persuasion.

“I feel like we are made for the road and made for the playoffs,” Weight said. “(But) we are going to have to convince ourselves.”