By Jordan Long
The New York Islanders finished the year at 37-35-10, a total of 84 points. Unfortunately, they missed the postseason by 16 points, as Washington earned the 2nd Wild Card spot with 100 points. The fact that New York didn’t earn a playoff spot cost Head Coach Barry Trotz his job.
Trotz took over the Islanders prior to the 2018-2019 season. He was previously with the Washington Capitals, from 2014 to 2018. Trotz was very successful with the Capitals, going 205-89-34. Washington made the playoffs every year. The strange part about his time in Washington is he won the Cup in 2018. For whatever reason, the Capitals didn’t give him a long term contract. Washington let it expire after the 2018 season even though he brought a championship to the organization. The Islanders missed the playoffs in 2017 and 2018. The Islanders thought Trotz could help this franchise win. The Islanders haven’t won the Stanley Cup since 1983. The last time they were in the Final was in 1984 when they were swept by the Edmonton Oilers.
In 2019 through 2021, the Islanders earned a playoff spot. In 2019 they were swept by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second-round. In 2020, which was played in the bubble due to the COVID 19 pandemic, they advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals but were beaten by Tampa Bay in 6 games. Last year, they went all the way to the Conference Finals, but again Tampa Bay beat them. It took 7 games. This year, the Islanders’ goal was to make it even further and reach the Stanley Cup Final. Unfortunately, they didn’t come close, missing the playoffs for the first time under Trotz.
The Islanders took their time to decide what was best for Trotz and the organization moving forward. They decided to let Trotz go. According to msn.com, General Manager Lou Lamoriello said, “It would be a tremendous understatement to say this was not an easy decision. Unfortunately, it is my role to make the best decisions for the organization. … I believe this group of players needs a new voice.”
This move makes zero sense. Trotz led them far into the playoffs. He had one bad year and they are letting him go. Trotz had one more season left on his contract. The Islanders should have let him coach next season and maybe Trotz coaches them to the Stanley Cup Final.
The Islanders will start a search for their new Head Coach. Whoever that is, it seems like they will be on a short leash. One awful season and they could be gone. The Islanders must be more patient. Whoever the next coach is, hopefully can coach out their contract before the Islanders move on even if they are successful. Trotz though, will be in high demand for a Head Coaching job in the NHL because of his past experience.
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