New York Islanders head coach Barry Trotz has shown loyalty to veterans over his time on the island, especially this season. One forward whose rope seems to remain the same if not get longer, despite the lack of production has been Josh Bailey.

And it has been a story, that appears and reappears like the sun.

Although the Islanders and Bailey have played significantly better over the last handful of games, the storyline continues to be a focus of discussion.

It may not be flashy, it may go by the waistside for many, but forward Josh Bailey has made plays that have impacted the scoreboard in favor of the New York Islanders.

No, it has not come from offensive production for the most part, with only one goal and 11 assists in 23 games, with just 20 shots. No, it has not come on the power play with just three assists with the man advantage.

Where Bailey has been effective has been his play without the puck and on a line with an aggressive Mat Barzal and offensive finisher in Anders Lee, having a guy with the skillset Bailey does indeed make a difference.

On the season, Bailey has committed just 10 turnovers in 23 games,

It has been a roller coaster for Josh Bailey since he was drafted by the New York Islanders ninth overall back in 2008. What began as a mocking chant turned rallying cry, the “Hey Josh Bailey” jingle is one that had been shouted by the Nassau Coliseum crowd, and now at UBS Arena.

Since the Islanders hired head coach Barry Trotz in the summer of 2018, Bailey has been a trusted forward. Even through the struggles and stipulations of Bailey, the rope has been rather long.

This season, the complaint by the Islanders faithful has been that Bailey does not shoot enough, especially when on a line with Mat Barzal and a rebounder cleaner-upper in Anders Lee. The complaints have continued due to Bailey’s lack of ability on the power play, hesitating with the puck and making unintelligent decisions.

The biggest praise for Bailey is his hockey IQ and regardless of the statistics and