Islanders Make Coaching Change Amidst Playoff Chase
In a bold move to salvage their playoff hopes, the New York Islanders have parted ways with coach Lane Lambert. The team announced that Patrick Roy, a legendary figure in hockey both as a player and a coach, will take over the reins. This shake-up comes as the Islanders find themselves just two points shy of the Detroit Red Wings for the final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.
The decision follows a troubling period for the Islanders, who are currently mired in a four-game losing streak. Their recent form has been concerning, with only two victories in their last ten outings. Lambert's tenure with the team lasted less than two seasons, a stint marked by inconsistency and defensive struggles.
Roy Takes the Helm
Roy returns to NHL coaching after a hiatus since the 2015-16 season. His previous head coaching experience was with the Colorado Avalanche, where he earned the Jack Adams Award, given annually to the NHL's top coach. Following his time with the Avalanche, Roy took his expertise back to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), leading the Quebec Remparts to four playoff appearances in five seasons, culminating in a QMJHL title and a Memorial Cup victory.
His debut behind the Islanders' bench could come against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena, where he will be expected to immediately address the team's defensive woes. The Islanders have been allowing the second-most shot attempts and the third-most scoring chances per 60 minutes in the league, including the third-most high-danger scoring chances.
Lambert's Legacy
Prior to being named head coach, Lambert served as an associate coach for four seasons. He managed to guide the Islanders to the playoffs, but the team was ousted in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes. Under Lambert's recent leadership, the team struggled defensively, surrendering more than four goals per game. A seven-game losing streak in November and a dismal run after New Year's Eve, where they lost eight out of ten games, intensified scrutiny on Lambert's future, especially after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Management Speaks Out
Addressing the coaching change, management highlighted "the inconsistency that has been going on for some period of time." In search of a new direction, they felt compelled to act. "When I had the opportunity to meet with Patrick recently, I felt that this was the best for our organization to go forward," said a member of the Islanders' front office, signaling confidence in Roy's ability to turn the tide for the struggling franchise.
Roy's reputation precedes him, with one executive describing his presence as "extremely aggressive." They added, "I thought he was the right person for the job," underscoring the belief that Roy's assertive approach could be the catalyst for change that the Islanders desperately need.
Roy Sets His Goals
For his part, Roy is focused on instilling a new mindset within the squad. "One of my objectives will be to bring some consistency to their play," he stated, pinpointing the team's erratic performances as a key issue to address. When probed about potential disciplinary measures to achieve this consistency, Roy was quick to dismiss any notion of harsh tactics. "I know what you’re probably alluding to, but we don’t want that," he clarified. Instead, Roy emphasized the importance of teamwork and collective responsibility: "We want to come out and start playing hockey. At the end of the day, it’s on us."
The players also seem ready to embrace the challenge ahead. Echoing Roy's sentiments, one player remarked, "It’s just on us as players." This acknowledgment indicates a willingness within the locker room to accept their share of the responsibility for the team's performance and to work together under Roy's guidance to achieve success.
With the Islanders' season hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how the team responds to this significant change. The appointment of Patrick Roy is a clear signal of intent from the organization, aiming to not only secure a playoff spot but to reestablish the Islanders as a formidable force in the NHL.