After the New York Islanders failed to progress to the playoffs in 2016-17 new permanent head coach Doug Weight set out to create a new defensive strategy for his team.
His goal was two-fold. Doug Weight wanted to clear sightlines for his goaltenders and reduce the chances (however slim) of a puck being redirected into the Isles net. Secondly, he wanted to reduce puck possession for the opposition with aggressive play at the point.
It was all perfectly summed up by then Newsday writer Arthur Staple:
Weight and his staff have been coaching the Islanders’ defensemen to clear sight lines for the goaltenders rather than try to be a second netminder.