It’s lazy just to blame the coaching. Some forget how many games under Barry this team was not ready to play. Lot of good things under Barry, but there were issues as well and things could have easily went the other way during those ECF runs.
- ses111

I’m simplifying it a little bit but think of it this way. Remember how trotz utilized that fourth line and how effective they were for a while. Does anyone think if trotz decided to spontaneously coach our team again they would be that way again? This lineup is stale. That’s the real problem.

I’m simplifying it a little bit but think of it this way. Remember how trotz utilized that fourth line and how effective they were for a while. Does anyone think if trotz decided to spontaneously coach our team again they would be that way again? This lineup is stale. That’s the real problem.
- Cptmjl

This is the thing. It’s not the same exact roster Barry had and it’s older at forward in key spots. Leddy and Toews adding speed on the backend was huge.

Can we all agree now that Beau is not a top six forward?

Gotta feel bad for the kid, but it certainly seems like we repeatedly overvalue our own talent only to find when they go somewhere else that they weren't quite as good as we thought. (although there are a couple of exceptions)
- keaner17

Never thought he was…

This is the thing. It’s not the same exact roster Barry had and it’s older at forward. Leddy and Toews adding speed on the backend was huge.
- ses111

Yep. It is not. Firing the coach may give them a quick shot in the arm. It usually does for teams. Though the same problems will remain…. If that’s not acknowledged this team could be even more (frank)ed long term.

Yep. It is not. Firing the coach may give them a quick shot in the arm. It usually does for teams. Though the same problems will remain…. If that’s not acknowledged this team could be even more (frank)ed long term.
- Cptmjl

There is just no magic coach that will turn this same exact team into a big winner.

Bode Wilde. Parker Wotherspoon. Robin Salo. Samuel Bolduc. Those are big problems.

Ryan Pulock not taking that last step is a problem.

Adam Pelech’s injuries are a problem.

Depending on Sebastian Aho to be a primary puck mover and PP must is a problem.

Scott Mayfield being depended on for 22-23 minutes a game is problem.

Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov have their moments but I have no complaints there.

You cannot play a game centered around your defense when this is what you’re working with. The fact we have goalies like Sorokin and Varly cements that fact.

Won’t even touch on the teams lack of overall speed

I dunno. The guy is 81. I'd argue that may be too old to be GM as well. Lou is the oldest GM in the NHL (perhaps in it's history?) where the average GM age is 54.
- keaner17

I agree. I think he’s too old as well. My example was showing that he’s too old to make himself interim coach, yet he’s not too old to be GM? It’s hypocritical.

It’s lazy just to blame the coaching. Some forget how many games under Barry this team was not ready to play. Lot of good things under Barry, but there were issues as well and things could have easily went the other way during those ECF runs.
- ses111

Isles held leads in the 3rd under Trotz. It was the most notable difference from Crappy. The last min to play in the game panic was consistent under Jack Capuano but was corrected under Trotz, yet is now back. It’s on the coaching.
The roster is stale I agree. But being up 4-2 in the third should mean 2 pts. Period

Bode Wilde. Parker Wotherspoon. Robin Salo. Samuel Bolduc. Those are big problems.

Ryan Pulock not taking that last step is a problem.

Adam Pelech’s injuries are a problem.

Depending on Sebastian Aho to be a primary puck mover and PP must is a problem.

Scott Mayfield being depended on for 22-23 minutes a game is problem.

Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov have their moments but I have no complaints there.

You cannot play a game centered around your defense when this is what you’re working with. The fact we have goalies like Sorokin and Varly cements that fact.

Won’t even touch on the teams lack of overall speed
- potvin05

Just cements the fact there is not a lot to work with for most coaches. I’m fine if Lane is replaced, but it’s not a cure all.

Isles held leads in the 3rd under Trotz. It was the most notable difference from Crappy. The last min to play in the game panic was consistent under Jack Capuano but was corrected under Trotz, yet is now back. It’s on the coaching.
The roster is stale I agree. But being up 4-2 in the third should mean 2 pts. Period
- kindlyrick

This is all true, but Barry had Leddy, Toews, and younger and healthier Pelech and Pulock. Lee was also younger and healthier along with Palms, Bailey, and Eberle and Nelson and the 4th line. We just cannot compare then to now. Lane or most coaches are not Barry.

This is all true, but Barry had Leddy, Toews, and younger and healthier Pelech and Pulock. Lee was also younger and healthier along with Palms, Bailey, and Eberle and Nelson and the 4th line. We just cannot compare then to now.
- ses111

I don’t think that inferior roster supercedes this inferior roster. Neither had a true first line, and while the Leddy Toews argument might hold weight, the fact is the issue is team defense and the teams inability to close out games. Regardless of the rosters, the isles have panicked in the 3rd under then Capuano, and now Lambert. It wasn’t the case under Trotz. It was THE biggest difference in the teams success. I’d also argue that the isles had a better roster under Capuano and still had the 3rd period problem. It’s a coaching issue, and this team is not good enough to try and win 5-4. They have to have 2-1 games, and shut it down in the 3rd.

I don’t think that inferior roster supercedes this inferior roster. Neither had a true first line, and while the Leddy Toews argument might hold weight, the fact is the issue is team defense and the teams inability to close out games. Regardless of the rosters, the isles have panicked in the 3rd under then Capuano, and now Lambert. It wasn’t the case under Trotz. It was THE biggest difference in the teams success. I’d also argue that the isles had a better roster under Capuano and still had the 3rd period problem. It’s a coaching issue, and this team is not good enough to try and win 5-4. They have to have 2-1 games, and shut it down in the 3rd.
- kindlyrick

My point was Barry’s roster was younger and healthier and had speed in key spots on defense over the current roster. Barry did not have a great roster either. There does not seem to be another Barry type coach so what is the solution?

Bode Wilde. Parker Wotherspoon. Robin Salo. Samuel Bolduc. Those are big problems.

Ryan Pulock not taking that last step is a problem.

Adam Pelech’s injuries are a problem.

Depending on Sebastian Aho to be a primary puck mover and PP must is a problem.

Scott Mayfield being depended on for 22-23 minutes a game is problem.

Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov have their moments but I have no complaints there.

You cannot play a game centered around your defense when this is what you’re working with. The fact we have goalies like Sorokin and Varly cements that fact.

Won’t even touch on the teams lack of overall speed
- potvin05

Worth noting is the isles lack of a vet on the backend. First time in a long time they haven’t brought in a journey man to eat up some min and play a safe and sound game

My point was Barry’s roster was younger and healthier and had speed in key spots on defense over the current roster. Barry did not have a great roster either. There does not seem to be another Barry type coach so what is the solution?
- ses111

The solution is until the isles add talent, as usual they’re stuck with hard hat hockey. As a result of this lack of punch, they need to play a trap style. Boring or not it’s about the 2pts.
You can’t argue roster vs roster. The glaring fact is the isles blew leads in the 3rd under Jack Capuano, and are doing it again under Lane Lambert. Both were inexperienced coaches, and both have/had the same problem. All signs point to poor coaching or system.

The solution is until the isles add talent, as usual they’re stuck with hard hat hockey. As a result of this lack of punch, they need to play a trap style. Boring or not it’s about the 2pts.
You can’t argue roster vs roster. The glaring fact is the isles blew leads in the 3rd under Jack Capuano, and are doing it again under Lane Lambert. Both were inexperienced coaches, and both have/had the same problem. All signs point to poor coaching or system.
- kindlyrick

Bring on a new coach and let’s see what they can do. We just need to be prepared there may not be a huge improvement. Adding more talent will be very difficult at this time.

Players have egos Nf. They want to have fun and have nice offensive numbers so they can get a better contract. Did some high end UFA’s not want to sign with the Islanders and play Barry’s system? Players should buy into the coach's system and players should also take less than 7-year contracts. This is the real world though.
- ses111

Players have egos Nf. They want to have fun and have nice offensive numbers so they can get a better contract.
As every player should. However, players also need to know limitations. If you are winning isn't that fun? Or is fun just achieving ones personal goals.

Did some high end UFA’s not want to sign with the Islanders and play Barry’s system?
Yes, and how are some of those players performing? What was the excuse when Lambert has been here for a year and half

Players should buy into the coach's system and players should also take less than 7-year contracts. This is the real world though.
That is managements fault. Cannot blame a guy looking to provide for his family.


It comes down to the system you wanna play. putting the right coach in place to run that system and acquiring the right players to implement that system.

Bring on a new coach and let’s see what they can do. We just need to be prepared there may not be a huge improvement. Adding more talent will be very difficult at this time.
- ses111

Unfortunately I think the coaching change is the band aide on the flesh wound. 4 summers in a row not being able to land that first line forward, is grounds for termination. I don’t believe Lou wasn’t in on Johnny hockey. Get a guy like a “John Davidson” in, and let’s get a new GM and start over. I’d look for someone who’s maybe the players contemporary or has a likeness by the players, whereby they can convince UFAs to come here. That’s been a glaring issue for DECADES

Players have egos Nf. They want to have fun and have nice offensive numbers so they can get a better contract.
As every player should. However, players also need to know limitations. If you are winning isn't that fun? Or is fun just achieving ones personal goals.

Did some high end UFA’s not want to sign with the Islanders and play Barry’s system?
Yes, and how are some of those players performing? What was the excuse when Lambert has been here for a year and half

Players should buy into the coach's system and players should also take less than 7-year contracts. This is the real world though.
That is managements fault. Cannot blame a guy looking to provide for his family.


It comes down to the system you wanna play. putting the right coach in place to run that system and acquiring the right players to implement that system.
- Nfdbulldawg

Winning is fun for the fans and I’m sure the players want to win, but the players want other things as well. Barry was a proven winner and the Islander players were willing to trust him. I’m sure losing JT was motivation as well.


I agree management should be more responsible with these contracts. NHL has a huge problem with these NTC and 7 year deals. We need the Lou that was tough with Robin Lehren’s contract.

Players have egos Nf. They want to have fun and have nice offensive numbers so they can get a better contract.
As every player should. However, players also need to know limitations. If you are winning isn't that fun? Or is fun just achieving ones personal goals.

Did some high end UFA’s not want to sign with the Islanders and play Barry’s system?
Yes, and how are some of those players performing? What was the excuse when Lambert has been here for a year and half

Players should buy into the coach's system and players should also take less than 7-year contracts. This is the real world though.
That is managements fault. Cannot blame a guy looking to provide for his family.


It comes down to the system you wanna play. putting the right coach in place to run that system and acquiring the right players to implement that system.
- Nfdbulldawg

With a team full of hard hatters, the system needs to be work based. Closing gaps and clogging up the neutral zone. I’ll take boring and 2 pts

Unfortunately I think the coaching change is the band aide on the flesh wound. 4 summers in a row not being able to land that first line forward, is grounds for termination. I don’t believe Lou wasn’t in on Johnny hockey. Get a guy like a “John Davidson” in, and let’s get a new GM and start over. I’d look for someone who’s maybe the players contemporary or has a likeness by the players, whereby they can convince UFAs to come here. That’s been a glaring issue for DECADES
- kindlyrick

Unless Johnny Hockey was lying when he said the Islanders did not contact him. Why would he lie? Islanders can use another Stevie Y type. They need a GM that understands today’s speed and skill NHL and someone that can share a vision and relate to players.

Bode Wilde. Parker Wotherspoon. Robin Salo. Samuel Bolduc. Those are big problems.

Ryan Pulock not taking that last step is a problem.

Adam Pelech’s injuries are a problem.

Depending on Sebastian Aho to be a primary puck mover and PP must is a problem.

Scott Mayfield being depended on for 22-23 minutes a game is problem.

Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov have their moments but I have no complaints there.

You cannot play a game centered around your defense when this is what you’re working with. The fact we have goalies like Sorokin and Varly cements that fact.

Won’t even touch on the teams lack of overall speed
- potvin05

The islanders? They are a well known group of great skaters.

It was effective no doubt about it, but players grow tired of playing it after a while. Players need to buy in for it to work. Devils had the trap and also a Hall of Fame goalie and two dmen along with very solid two way players.
- ses111

Honestly all players want to do is win. When a coach puts in a system and it works the players buy in and it gets even better. They don’t get sick of winning. No matter what system.
sOrOkkin and Varly are far from the problem with the Islanders and would argue their record would be worse without them. One could argue the defensive structure played by the Devils certainly helped Marty to become the HOF goalie he became.
Defense wins and The Islanders were one of the best defensive teams in the league, and their PK was second to none. This is now gone. They are scoring more and the PP is better. That said if you can’t stop the other team from scoring you are going to lose. Again defense wins.
Bottom line is, this team is floundering and desperately looking for an identity and the coach isn’t righting the ship.
Time for Lane to be shown the door.

The solution is until the isles add talent, as usual they’re stuck with hard hat hockey. As a result of this lack of punch, they need to play a trap style. Boring or not it’s about the 2pts.
You can’t argue roster vs roster. The glaring fact is the isles blew leads in the 3rd under Jack Capuano, and are doing it again under Lane Lambert. Both were inexperienced coaches, and both have/had the same problem. All signs point to poor coaching or system.
- kindlyrick

The problem is a lot of this roster is the same roster that was under Jack Capuano.

Also, sure you can argue that. I’ll reiterate the example I bought up earlier. Are you saying the fourth line would be just as effective under whoever our next coach is as under Trotz? Trotz leaned on that line arguably more then any other in important situations. I would say there’s less then a zero % chance it would be and therein lies at least part of the problem.

Honestly all players want to do is win. When a coach puts in a system and it works the players buy in and it gets even better. They don’t get sick of winning. No matter what system.
sOrOkkin and Varly are far from the problem with the Islanders and would argue their record would be worse without them. One could argue the defensive structure played by the Devils certainly helped Marty to become the HOF goalie he became.
Defense wins and The Islanders were one of the best defensive teams in the league, and their PK was second to none. This is now gone. They are scoring more and the PP is better. That said if you can’t stop the other team from scoring you are going to lose. Again defense wins.
Bottom line is, this team is floundering and desperately looking for an identity and the coach isn’t righting the ship.
Time for Lane to be shown the door.
- nyisles7

All I know is I do not get tired of winning. I'm not a player though looking for a big paycheck. I like to think all players #1 focus is winning, but we all now that is not the case. I have no issue with the Islanders goalies, and I'm not fighting for Lou, Lane, or Barzal. They can all go if it improves the team.


I have no doubt the Devils trap helped Marty. I still think Marty would have been a special goalie and the Devils still had talented players that still might have been able to win without the trap.

My thoughts are this the islanders defense has been horrendous. Mayfield has looked bad the turnovers are ridiculous in their own zone. Then every game at least three or four times they are stuck in their zone for two minutes straight. This simply can not happen and giving up close to 40 shots a game can’t happen. The Islanders are older and slower and shows every year. It gets worse and worse. The same team ever year is not working. There a few guys I would love to see leave and move on.

Lee is one guy. He has lost a step and hasn’t been the same since his injury. Pageau I think all the trade rumors through the summer got to him and he is just different. Palms is another guy who every year is just exhausting to watch. I think a soft rebuild is in order.

Also sorry but we need a new coach. Lane Lambert is definitely not the guy. We need a hard nose defensive minded coach. The islanders are built for that style but yet are playing a different style