Ryan Strome finds scoring touch under Weight

Change is a good thing.

New York Islanders forward Ryan Strome has been on a torrid pace since a change behind the bench Jan. 17, when the team replaced coach Jack Capuano with Doug Weight.

In 16 games under his new boss, Strome has tallied five goals and six assists, good for a 0.69 points per game pace, virtually double the 0.36 he had under Capuano.

Scoring just 14 points in 39 games to start the season, Strome was an early season scratch by Capuano, leaving the young winger at a loss for words. It was a repeat of the playoffs, when Strome was benched for three of New York's 11 postseason contests.

The Islanders wanted more from the former fifth overall pick, but despite his slide to 28 points last season after scoring 50 the previous year, the team agreed to a two-year extension with Strome in the offseason.

Fortunately, Strome's scoring touch is once again at the forefront. The Islanders will need that pace to keep up, with the team set to begin a nine-game road trip that will have them away from Brooklyn until March 13.