Islanders Make Coaching Change Amidst Struggles
In a significant shake-up behind the bench, the New York Islanders have parted ways with coach Lane Lambert. The organization has moved swiftly to appoint Patrick Roy as his successor in hopes of salvaging their season. The Islanders find themselves in a precarious position, trailing two points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the coveted final wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.
The team's recent form has been cause for concern, with a four-game losing streak exacerbating their woes. A deeper look into their past ten games reveals only two victories, signaling a trend that the management was keen to halt. Lambert's tenure lasted less than two seasons, a period marked by unmet expectations and declining performance.
Roy, a name synonymous with NHL success both as a player and coach, is making a return to the league's coaching ranks for the first time since the 2015-16 season. His coaching credentials are well-established, having previously helmed the Colorado Avalanche and earning the prestigious Jack Adams Award. Following his stint with the Avalanche, Roy took charge of the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL, leading them to four playoff appearances over five seasons, including a QMJHL title and a Memorial Cup victory.
Defensive Woes and Playoff Hopes
As the Islanders gear up for what could be Roy's debut against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena, they face the daunting task of addressing their defensive vulnerabilities. The statistics paint a grim picture: the Islanders rank second-worst in the league for shot attempts allowed per 60 minutes, third-worst for both scoring chances and high-danger scoring chances allowed per 60 minutes. This porous defense has contributed significantly to their recent slide down the standings.
Lambert, who served as an associate coach for four seasons prior to his head coaching appointment, did lead the team to the playoffs. However, their campaign was cut short following a first-round exit at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes. A seven-game losing streak in November was a harbinger of things to come, as the team's defensive frailties continued to be exposed, culminating in them conceding over four goals per game during Lambert's final stretch as coach.
The turn of the year did not bring better fortunes, with the Islanders closing out 2023 on a sour note with a New Year's Eve defeat. The subsequent run of eight losses in ten games put Lambert's future under intense scrutiny, a situation that came to a head after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Looking Ahead with Roy
The Islanders' decision to bring in Roy suggests a desire for a fresh approach and a more assertive presence on the bench. In discussing the change, the Islanders highlighted "the inconsistency that has been going on for some period of time," pinpointing it as a key factor in the decision-making process. The organization believes Roy's aggressive style and track record can instill the much-needed consistency and resilience.
Roy himself has addressed his new role with a clear objective in mind: "One of my objectives will be to bring some consistency to their play." He also alluded to avoiding distractions, focusing on the essence of the sport: "I know what you’re probably alluding to, but we don’t want that. We want to come out and start playing hockey. At the end of the day, it’s on us."
This sentiment was echoed by the players, who acknowledged their part in the team's performance. The collective mindset seems to revolve around accountability and the recognition that improvement starts within the locker room: "It’s just on us as players."
With the arrival of Patrick Roy, the Islanders are not just getting a new coach; they are turning a page in hopes of revitalizing their season. The storied former goaltender brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, which the Islanders hope will translate into immediate results on the ice. As the team prepares for the upcoming games, all eyes will be on how quickly Roy can implement his vision and whether it will be enough to steer the Islanders back into playoff contention.