Ladd finally paying dividends for Islanders

Andrew Ladd is finally playing like Andrew Ladd.

The New York Islanders much-maligned free-agent addition, who agreed to a hefty seven-year, $38.5-million pact, has finally found his game, and the back of the net.

Coming in as a replacement after Kyle Okposo signed with the Buffalo Sabres, Ladd struggled through his early goings in Brooklyn, scoring just eight points in his first 33 games.

But in his past 11 outings, Ladd has tallied five goals and two assists. Friday against the Detroit Red Wings, Ladd added his sixth goal in his last 12 games.

It appears that new bench boss Doug Weight isn't the only one performing well for the Islanders.