The New York Islanders have made a significant coaching change, relieving Lane Lambert of his coaching responsibilities. In a surprising move, the team has appointed Patrick Roy as the new head coach. Lambert’s tenure saw mixed reactions from fans, facing challenges in filling the shoes of the departed Barry Trotz. Despite a decent record, Lambert’s coaching decisions, including lineup choices and blown leads, likely contributed to the decision to part ways with him. Patrick Roy, known for his successful playing and coaching career, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Islanders.
Patrick Roy, the newly appointed head coach of the New York Islanders, brings prior coaching experience with the Colorado Avalanche. During his tenure with the Avalanche, Roy achieved a record of 130-92-24 over three full seasons. His initial season saw notable success, winning the Jack Adams Trophy and the Central Division, although the team was eliminated in the first round. The subsequent two seasons resulted in sixth and seventh-place finishes within the division. Roy’s coaching history adds an experienced perspective to his new role with the Islanders.
Patrick Roy’s appointment as the head coach of the New York Islanders has surprised some, given other available coaching options such as Craig Berube, Jay Woodcroft, and Bruce Boudreau. However, Roy brings recent success, having led the Quebec Remparts to the 2023 Memorial Cup championship in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. Additionally, his illustrious playing career as one of the greatest goalkeepers in NHL history could benefit Islanders’ star goaltender Ilya Sorokin and defensemen Adam Pelech and Scott Mayfield. Roy is set to make his coaching debut for the Islanders in their upcoming game against the Dallas Stars on January 21, aiming to guide the team to a higher position in the Metropolitan Division standings.
