A New Era for the Islanders: Patrick Roy Takes the Helm
In a significant shake-up within the New York Islanders organization, head coach Lane Lambert has been relieved of his duties. The team announced that NHL veteran and former Colorado Avalanche coach Patrick Roy will replace Lambert as the new bench boss. This change comes at a critical juncture for the Islanders, who find themselves just two points shy of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, currently held by the Detroit Red Wings.
The Islanders have been struggling to find their form, as evidenced by their current four-game losing streak. Over their last ten games, they have managed only two victories, signaling a concerning trend that the front office hopes to reverse with this coaching change. Lambert's tenure with the team lasted less than two seasons, during which he was promoted from an associate coach—a role he served in for four years—to the head coach position.
Roy, who is making a return to NHL coaching for the first time since the 2015-16 season, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. His previous stint in the NHL saw him behind the bench for the Colorado Avalanche, where he earned the Jack Adams Award, given annually to the league's top coach. Following his departure from the Avalanche, Roy took the reins of the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL, leading them to four playoff appearances in five seasons and capturing both the QMJHL title and the Memorial Cup.
Defensive Woes and a Look Ahead
One of the most pressing issues facing the Islanders has been their defensive play. The team currently allows the second-most shot attempts per 60 minutes in the league, as well as ranking third-worst in both scoring chances and high-danger scoring chances allowed per 60 minutes. These statistics underline the challenges Lambert faced and the task now lying ahead for Roy as he steps in to steer the ship.
Lambert's Islanders made it to the playoffs under his guidance but were ousted in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes. A troublesome seven-game losing streak in November and a pattern of allowing more than four goals per game recently are likely contributing factors to the decision to move on from Lambert's leadership. The team's performance woes culminated after a disheartening 4-3 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, putting Lambert's future with the team in jeopardy.
Roy's debut as the Islanders' head coach could come against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena, setting the stage for what many fans hope will be a revitalized approach to the remainder of the season. With the playoffs in sight, the pressure is on for a swift turnaround.
Management and Players Weigh In
The decision to bring in Roy stems from a desire for stability and consistency within the team's ranks. "The inconsistency that has been going on for some period of time," as noted by the Islanders' management, prompted the search for a solution. Upon meeting with Roy, the sentiment was clear: "When I had the opportunity to meet with Patrick recently, I felt that this was the best for our organization to go forward." Management praised Roy's "extremely aggressive" presence and expressed confidence in his suitability for the job.
For his part, Roy has stated one of his objectives is to "bring some consistency to their play." He is aware of the speculation surrounding his style and the expectations that come with his reputation. However, he has emphasized a focus on hockey above all else: "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."
The players also recognize their role in this transitional phase, echoing the sentiment that accountability and performance rest on their shoulders: "It’s just on us as players." With the collective acknowledgment of the need for improvement, the team appears ready to embrace Roy's leadership and direction.
As the Islanders navigate through this pivotal moment in their season, all eyes will be on Roy to see if he can inject the necessary vigor and strategic acumen into the team. The quest for a playoff berth is still very much alive, and the hope is that this coaching change will be the catalyst the Islanders need to solidify their place in the postseason.