Islanders Make Coaching Change Amidst Struggles
In a significant move to shake up their coaching ranks, the New York Islanders have parted ways with head coach Lane Lambert. The team announced that former NHL goaltender and Colorado Avalanche coach Patrick Roy has been appointed to take the helm. This change comes as the Islanders find themselves in a precarious position, trailing two points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The Islanders' recent form has raised concerns, with the team currently on a four-game losing streak and having secured only two victories in their last ten outings. Lambert's tenure with the team lasted less than two seasons, a period marked by inconsistency and underperformance.
Roy's Return to NHL Coaching
Patrick Roy, a name synonymous with success in hockey both as a player and a coach, is making his return to NHL coaching for the first time since the 2015-16 season. His previous stint with the Colorado Avalanche was highlighted by winning the Jack Adams Award, given to the NHL's best coach. Following his departure from 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.
Roy's debut with the Islanders could come against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena, where he will be expected to address the team's defensive vulnerabilities. Currently, the Islanders are 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 Tenure and Legacy
Before taking over as head coach, Lambert served as an associate coach for the Islanders for four seasons. Although he led the team to the playoffs, they were ousted in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes. Under Lambert, the team experienced a seven-game losing streak in November and allowed more than four goals per game during a particularly challenging stretch. The Islanders closed out 2023 with a loss on New Year’s Eve and subsequently lost eight of the next ten games, casting doubt on Lambert's future with the team. A 4-3 overtime defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks seemed to have sealed his fate.
Organizational Perspective
The decision to bring in Roy reflects the organization's desire for a fresh approach. One senior figure within the Islanders' management highlighted "the inconsistency that has been going on for some period of time" as a key factor in the decision-making process. Upon meeting with Roy, it became clear to the organization that he embodied the aggressive presence and leadership qualities needed to propel the team forward.
"When I had the opportunity to meet with Patrick recently, I felt that this was the best for our organization to go forward," a member of the Islanders' executive expressed. They further emphasized the belief that Roy was the right person for the job, citing his track record and authoritative presence.
Roy's Vision for the Islanders
For his part, Roy has set his sights on instilling a sense of consistency within the Islanders' play. Addressing the media, he stated, "One of my objectives will be to bring some consistency to their play." He quickly dismissed any allusions to past controversies, emphasizing a focus on playing disciplined hockey and moving beyond any off-ice distractions. "I know what you’re probably alluding to, but we don’t want that," Roy asserted.
Players have also voiced their perspectives on the situation, acknowledging their role in the team's performance. "We want to come out and start playing hockey. At the end of the day, it’s on us," one player remarked, reinforcing the sentiment that responsibility ultimately lies with the players. "It’s just on us as players," they concluded, indicating a readiness to embrace the changes and challenges ahead.
As the Islanders navigate through this transitional phase, all eyes will be on Roy to see if he can translate his storied career and coaching acumen into success for a franchise in need of a turnaround. With the team's playoff hopes still alive, the remainder of the season will be a true test of character and determination for both the players and their new coach.