Bailey playing well for Sound Tigers

BOSTON - After his surprising demotion to Bridgeport, Josh Bailey has responded about as well as the Islanders could have hoped with eight points in the past six games.

In addition to his three goals and five assists, Bailey has been named the first star in the past two games for the Sound Tigers. Bailey scored the game-winner in Bridgeport's 5-3 win over Springfield Wednesday.

"He's playing extremely well," general manager Garth Snow said by phone Thursday.

Which begs the question: When will he return?

Although Bailey is averaging more than a point a game and seems to have re-established his scoring touch, Snow was vague about the Islanders' immediate plans for the 2008 first-round pick.

"There's no time frame for him. It will be when he feels and we feel he has his confidence back," Snow said.

Snow did indicate that he has been impressed with how the 21-year-old Bailey dealt with the difficult demotion.

Before sending him down after his 159th NHL game - a player requires waivers once he reaches the 160-game threshold - Snow said he was confident that Bailey's maturity and character would enable him to deal with the adversity.

Said Snow: "The encouraging sign is that he went down there and is playing at a high level."

Weight sits out again

Although still listed as "day-to-day," Islanders captain Doug Weight missed his eighth straight game last night with back spasms. When asked if there is any possibility the 39-year-old will undergo back surgery, Snow said, "At this point, that's not in the plans."