The 2022-23 season hasn't quite panned out the way New York Islanders fans had expected. Or maybe it has, depending on how one interpreted the dismissal of head coach Barry Trotz.
A team that made back-to-back Conference Finals appearances in 2020 and 2021 is now scratching and clawing for a Wild Card spot. The Isles currently sit 5 points out from the second such spot with a middling 23-20-5 record.
Fans on Long Island aren't ones to accept losing for very long - save the 90s/00s - and are known for their abrasive but passionate feedback. Recently,
'Fire Lou' chants broke out after a 5-2 defeat with regards to GM Lou Lamoriello.
In response, Lamoriello said: "They have a right to be upset."
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Under Barry Trotz, the Islanders at least fielded an airtight defense, but the offense suffered. In '21-22, the Islanders scored just 231 goals (23rd) while surrendering 237 (10th). Under new head coach, Lane Lambert, the theory was that the defensive identity of the team would remain intact, while the offense would open up.
That hasn't really happened.
This season, they have managed 23rd-best 143 goals-for in 49 games (a 239-goal pace) while surrendering a middling 141 (a 235-goal pace). Centers Mat Barzal and
Brock Nelson share the team-lead with 42 points, which isn't even good enough for the top-50 scorers in the entire NHL.
Lamoriello defended his coaching staff, maintaining they are doing everything they can do. The three-time Stanley Cup champion stressed that he takes full accountability for the Islanders' situation and will do what it takes to right the ship.
"There's no excuses because that's on me. Totally on me. That's my responsibility to make us the best we possibly can, to make whatever changes we need. That's not on the coaching staff. That's not on the players. I take that responsibility."
The NHL's March 3rd Trade Deadline is fast approaching, and with
only $1.5 million in cap space, the savvy veteran has to maneuver cleverly. Or else the Islanders are at risk of missing the postseason for the second consecutive season.
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