Islanders Make Coaching Change Amidst Struggles
In a significant move aimed at revitalizing their season, the New York Islanders have parted ways with coach Lane Lambert. The organization has turned the page by appointing Patrick Roy, a former NHL goaltender and head coach, to take the helm. This change comes as the Islanders find themselves in a precarious position, trailing the Detroit Red Wings by two points for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Islanders' recent form has been a cause for concern, with the team currently on a four-game losing streak. Their struggles extend beyond this skid, having secured only two victories in their last ten outings. Lambert's tenure with the Islanders was relatively short-lived, lasting less than two seasons.
Roy Returns to NHL Coaching
Patrick Roy's appointment marks his comeback to NHL coaching since he last served in the 2015-16 season. Roy is no stranger to success; during his previous stint as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, he received the Jack Adams Award, which is given annually to the NHL's top coach. Following his time with the Avalanche, Roy returned to his roots in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he coached the Quebec Remparts. Under his guidance, the Remparts made four playoff appearances in five seasons, capturing their sixth QMJHL title and third Memorial Cup.
Roy's debut behind the Islanders' bench could potentially be against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena. The new coach will be tasked with addressing the team's defensive woes, as the Islanders have allowed the second-most shot attempts and the third-most scoring chances per 60 minutes in the league. Moreover, they are also conceding the third-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes.
Lambert previously served as an associate coach for four seasons before being promoted to head coach. Although he led the Islanders to the playoffs, the team was eliminated in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes. His recent coaching record was marred by a seven-game losing streak in November and the team's allowance of more than four goals per game. The Islanders concluded 2023 with a loss on New Year’s Eve, followed by defeats in eight of their subsequent ten games, raising serious questions about Lambert's future after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Organizational Perspective
The decision to make a coaching change was not taken lightly. The inconsistency plaguing the Islanders had been persistent, prompting the organization to act. In a statement, a representative from the team noted, "When I had the opportunity to meet with Patrick recently, I felt that this was the best for our organization to go forward." They highlighted Roy's "extremely aggressive" presence and expressed confidence in him being "the right person for the job."
Roy himself has acknowledged the need for stability, stating, "One of my objectives will be to bring some consistency to their play." He was quick to address speculation about potential changes in style or approach, emphasizing the importance of focusing on hockey fundamentals. "I know what you’re probably alluding to, but we don’t want that," Roy said, referring to concerns about his past fiery demeanor. "We want to come out and start playing hockey. At the end of the day, it’s on us."
Players have also recognized their role in the team's fortunes, echoing Roy's sentiments. "It’s just on us as players," one player commented, suggesting that accountability within the locker room is key to turning their season around.
Looking Ahead
As the Islanders navigate through this transition period, eyes will be on Roy to see if he can inject the necessary energy and discipline into the team. With the playoffs still within reach, the Islanders hope that this bold move will pay dividends and steer them back on course towards postseason contention. Only time will tell if Roy's return to NHL coaching will be the catalyst the Islanders need to overcome their current challenges and achieve the consistency they have been seeking.