Islanders Appoint Patrick Roy as New Coach Amidst Struggles
Islanders Make Coaching Change
In a significant move aimed at revitalizing their season, the New York Islanders have parted ways with coach Lane Lambert. The team announced that Patrick Roy, a name synonymous with success in the NHL both as a player and a coach, will take over the reins.
The Islanders find themselves in a precarious position, trailing the Detroit Red Wings by just two points for the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference. With the team on a four-game losing skid and having secured only two victories in their last ten outings, management felt a change was imperative.
Lambert's tenure with the Islanders lasted less than two seasons, during which he initially served as an associate coach for four years. Despite leading the team to the playoffs, they were ousted in the first round by the Carolina Hurricanes. A seven-game losing streak in November and a troubling pattern of defeats, including more than four goals against per game recently, amplified concerns about the team's direction.
Roy's Return to NHL Coaching
Patrick Roy, returning to NHL coaching for the first time since his departure from the Colorado Avalanche after the 2015-16 season, brings a decorated history to Long Island. Not only did he win the Jack Adams Award, but he also led the Quebec Remparts of the QMJHL to notable success, including four playoff appearances in five seasons, a sixth QMJHL title, and a third Memorial Cup victory.
Roy's aggressive presence and coaching philosophy are expected to address the Islanders' current issues, particularly their defensive struggles. The team has been allowing the second-most shot attempts, the third-most scoring chances, and the third-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 minutes in the league.
His debut as head coach could come against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena, where he will be tasked with instilling the consistency he has emphasized as one of his primary objectives.
Management and Players React
The decision to bring in Roy reflects the organization's desire for a fresh approach. "When I had the opportunity to meet with Patrick recently, I felt that this was the best for our organization to go forward," expressed a member of the Islanders' management, signaling confidence in Roy's ability to turn the tide for the struggling team.
Roy himself is keenly aware of the challenges ahead, stating, "One of my objectives will be to bring some consistency to their play." He acknowledges the speculation surrounding his style but insists the focus will be squarely on hockey: "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 have echoed this sentiment, taking ownership of their performance thus far. As one player put it, "It’s just on us as players," highlighting the responsibility that each member of the squad bears in the quest for improvement.
Looking Ahead
As the Islanders navigate through this transitional phase, the spotlight will be on how quickly and effectively they can adapt to Roy's coaching style. With the playoffs still within reach, the urgency to right the ship has never been greater.
The firing of Lambert, following a disappointing loss on New Year’s Eve and a subsequent rough patch, underscores the high stakes involved. The overtime defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks that put Lambert's future into question now marks the end of his chapter with the Islanders.
With Patrick Roy at the helm, the Islanders are poised to shake off their inconsistency and strive for a strong finish to the season. The entire organization, from management to players, seems aligned in their commitment to a new direction under Roy's leadership. Only time will tell if this bold move will pay dividends and propel the Islanders back into playoff contention.
