New York Islanders coach Barry Trotz knows how it feels to win the Stanley Cup. He won hockey's greatest prize with the Washington Capitals in 2018. Trotz also knows what it's like to lose and it's pretty clear he doesn't like it. Talking with reporters Sunday, Trotz said the loss to Tampa Bay in the third round of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs will haunt him for the rest of his life.
"I have not gotten over the loss to the Lightning," Trotz said.
"On my death bed, that will be one of the visions that will go through my head."
It's a statement that shows Trotz's commitment to winning. It's also interesting given the fact that very few analysts would have picked the Islanders to beat Tampa Bay in the playoffs last season. That's not a knock on New York, but the Lightning looked dominant the entire playoffs, perhaps feeding off the first round loss to Columbus the previous year when many expected them to make a deep run.
Trotz made it clear he expects big things from his team this season when it gets underway on January 13th. He also said he's very happy with the way the team has jelled.
""I trust this group," said Trotz. "The one thing I trust about this group is they care about each other."
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