The Isles have long had a preference towards leaning on vets when it comes to lineup decisions and responsibilities dating back to Nolan. Lou and Trotz both buy into that as well seemingly to a fault.
I honestly would rather see either Chara or Greene removed from the line up when Pullock returns, but have a concern that it will be Salo, which won't help the speed issue.
I also think it's that profound loyalty to age to players that will keep varlamov splitting games with Sorokin regardless of the schedule as well as retreading guys like Baikey on the top line.
I know some get a rash when anyone criticizes Trotz, and his career record speaks for itself, but let's remember that he was the guy who could never quite get over the hump until he hooked up with a great team accompanied by the one of the greatest goal scorers in history in the middle of his prime. My only point there is, he is not without flaw.
I think the delicate balance of team chemistry and perhaps some flawed pholosophy have caught up with them this year.
Alternatively I think they can get it back just as fast.
- keaner17

- eichiefs9

There are some stats to consider when it comes to Barry...

The good, career 877-635-60 record in 22 years.
Jack Adams 2015 and 2018
Winning seasons in 19 of the last 20 seasons! (wow)

The bad:

It took him 12 years to win his first playoff series in Nashville
In the next three years after he left, Nashville went to the conference finals twice going 1-1
It took him 19 years to get past the second round of the playoffs when the Caps won the cup..

There's a lot of great coaches in various sports that for whatever reason they cannot get to the ultimate destination. Barry and Lou worked utter miracles with what they did here over the last three years and they most certainly should have every chance to get it right for a few more. That said, I don't think it's sacrilegious to question some of their takes .

Sarcastic remark aside, he actually has played better after giving up a couple goals (particularly a soft one). Just sayin'.
- Isleshockeyman

I’m aware that was the one serious part of that post

- eichiefs9

There are some stats to consider when it comes to Barry...

The good, career 877-635-60 record in 22 years.
Jack Adams 2015 and 2018
Winning seasons in 19 of the last 20 seasons! (wow)

The bad:

It took him 12 years to win his first playoff series in Nashville
In the next three years after he left, Nashville went to the conference finals twice going 1-1
It took him 19 years to get past the second round of the playoffs when the Caps won the cup..

There's a lot of great coaches in various sports that for whatever reason they cannot get to the ultimate destination. Barry and Lou worked utter miracles with what they did here over the last three years and they most certainly should have every chance to get it right for a few more. That said, I don't think it's sacrilegious to question some of their takes .
- keaner17

The bad:

The Islanders have failed to make it to the Cup Finals 3 years in a row under Lou and Barry.

The good:

They took a franchise that was mostly a laughingstock in the NHL, had failed to make the playoffs 2 years in a row, had just lost its captain and star player, and, not only made the playoffs 3 years in a row, but won 5 playoff rounds during that 3-year period. They had not made consecutive deep playoff runs since their dynasty years under Torrey and Arbour.

This doesn't mean we can't critique their performances. That's what the message board is for. But, considering all the bad seasons they had under Snow, it's amazing the lack of high-end talent on the team.........and what Trotz has been able to accomplish with it.

The bad:

The Islanders have failed to make it to the Cup Finals 3 years in a row under Lou and Barry.

The good:

They took a franchise that was mostly a laughingstock in the NHL, had failed to make the playoffs 2 years in a row, had just lost its captain and star player, and, not only made the playoffs 3 years in a row, but won 5 playoff rounds during that 3-year period. They had not made consecutive deep playoff runs since their dynasty years under Torrey and Arbour.

This doesn't mean we can't critique their performances. That's what the message board is for. But, considering all the bad seasons they had under Snow, it's amazing the lack of high-end talent on the team.........and what Trotz has been able to accomplish with it.


- JohnScammo

Agreed. It was also amazing what Nolan did with it several years ago and Laviolette before him. I think we left the laughing stock tag behind a couple of years prior to their arrival so, I'll disagree on that part. That said, Lou and Trotz have helped to make this team a desired location again unquestionably. I do think the reality as typical lies somewhere in between the "he's a legend" and "he's a good coach". Neither are tags that should absolve one of being second guessed. Frankly when I look at his record in Nashville, I'm sort of shocked they let him stay there as long as they did. I can't imagine many franchises that would allow a coach to last 15 seasons without ever advancing past the second round.

He's done wonders here thus far and I thank God he's our coach and hope he stays for years more. That said, I do have to call into question some of his approach at times and stubbornness as any fan should be allowed

Agreed. It was also amazing what Nolan did with it several years ago and Laviolette before him. I think we left the laughing stock tag behind a couple of years prior to their arrival so, I'll disagree on that part. That said, Lou and Trotz have helped to make this team a desired location again unquestionably. I do think the reality as typical lies somewhere in between the "he's a legend" and "he's a good coach". Neither are tags that should absolve one of being second guessed. Frankly when I look at his record in Nashville, I'm sort of shocked they let him stay there as long as they did. I can't imagine many franchises that would allow a coach to last 15 seasons without ever advancing past the second round.

He's done wonders here thus far and I thank God he's our coach and hope he stays for years more. That said, I do have to call into question some of his approach at times and stubbornness as any fan should be allowed
- keaner17

Neither Nolan nor Laviolette ever won a playoff round with the Islanders. So there's that. Also, I don't know that I would call Trotz stubborn. Just because he disagrees with the fans' approach and sticks to his own approach does not IMO make him stubborn. And finally, I would just note that Trotz was the first coach for the expansion Predators. Expansion teams generally suck at first (Vegas was the exception), and a coach can only do so much with the players he's dealt, so to speak. I don't remember who Nashville's GM was, or what he did in terms of improving the personnel on the team, but a coach is stuck with whatever talent he's got.

Neither Nolan nor Laviolette ever won a playoff round with the Islanders. So there's that. Also, I don't know that I would call Trotz stubborn. Just because he disagrees with the fans' approach and sticks to his own approach does not IMO make him stubborn. And finally, I would just note that Trotz was the first coach for the expansion Predators. Expansion teams generally suck at first (Vegas was the exception), and a coach can only do so much with the players he's dealt, so to speak. I don't remember who Nashville's GM was, or what he did in terms of improving the personnel on the team, but a coach is stuck with whatever tal6ent he's got.
- JohnScammo

For many of his years in Nashville they were one of the more talented teams in the conference with arguably the best dman in the league and a top tier goaltender yet they never got past the second round.

As for 'stubborn': i would say that his insistance to keep Bailey on Barzals' wing and Leo before were fair examples. His insistence to not use Bellows beyond one game in that line and Wahlstrom at all is notable too.

You said a couple of weeks ago that you thought Barry's decision to shoot Wally ninth in that shootout was based on gut instinct. In retrospect, I don't think that was correct and Wallys subsequent benching may have proved that point.
Trotz is a smart old school coach who has beliefs he rightly stands by. For the most part they create discipline in a positive way, but I do think sometimes he cuts off his nose to spite his face.
Overall point is the guy is a damn good coach, but he's not above question

Agreed. It was also amazing what Nolan did with it several years ago and Laviolette before him. I think we left the laughing stock tag behind a couple of years prior to their arrival so, I'll disagree on that part. That said, Lou and Trotz have helped to make this team a desired location again unquestionably. I do think the reality as typical lies somewhere in between the "he's a legend" and "he's a good coach". Neither are tags that should absolve one of being second guessed. Frankly when I look at his record in Nashville, I'm sort of shocked they let him stay there as long as they did. I can't imagine many franchises that would allow a coach to last 15 seasons without ever advancing past the second round.

He's done wonders here thus far and I thank God he's our coach and hope he stays for years more. That said, I do have to call into question some of his approach at times and stubbornness as any fan should be allowed
- keaner17

Coaches are like politicians to me. I’ve never met one I’m completely aligned too or agree with everything they do. As long as the positives outweigh the negatives it’s all good in the end. I don’t agree with everything Barry does but ultimately I couldn’t be happier he’s our coach and would never want him gone.

In fact I hope he’s extended next season. With that said he has done what I believe is dumb crap and I would say the vast majority of people are aligned to it as well and I could give a flying crap what anyone has to say negatively to that opinion on this forum. You don’t like it keep on scrolling or throw stupid crap on here to make yourself feel like the pillar of hockey acumen, whatever floats your boat and helps you sleep at night.

What I’m saying is just say whatever the hell you want that’s what this forum is for. If someone hasn’t figured out what a hockey forum is for yet that’s their problem not yours.

Yeah, honestly my point wasn't so much about calllng anyone in here out, but to simply say Trotz "ain't teflon" in my eyes. I hope he's here for years to come, but I'm also realistic in that he may not be as infallible as some feel

Yeah, honestly my point wasn't so much about calllng anyone in here out, but to simply say Trotz "ain't teflon" in my eyes. I hope he's here for years to come, but I'm also realistic in that he may not be as infallible as some feel
- keaner17

“That said, I do have to call into question some of his approach at times and stubbornness as any fan should be allowed ”

Kind of looked that way to me not to a particular poster but in general. Guess I misinterpreted your post. For me I’m of course referring to a particular moron and I have no issue saying that. I’m going to go jump off a ledge Fire Barry Fire Lou!

“That said, I do have to call into question some of his approach at times and stubbornness as any fan should be allowed ”

Kind of looked that way to me not to a particular poster but in general. Guess I misinterpreted your post. For me I’m of course referring to a particular moron and I have no issue saying that. I’m going to go jump off a ledge Fire Barry Fire Lou!
- Cptmjl

Lol, well ai guess it says something when multiple people immediately figure that's who it was about. I guess in my head I thiught more people were defensive abiut it than just him. I could be wrong

Lol, well ai guess it says something when multiple people immediately figure that's who it was about. I guess in my head I thiught more people were defensive abiut it than just him. I could be wrong
- keaner17

If they are defensive they keep it to themselves. He’s the only one that loses his mind at any deviating opinion that doesn’t align with trotz or lameriello. Also, some posters say critical things and express their opinions without retaliation and some get attacked for it. It’s actually hysterical guy is a complete mental case. It’s entertaining then it becomes sad.

For many of his years in Nashville they were one of the more talented teams in the conference with arguably the best dman in the league and a top tier goaltender yet they never got past the second round.

As for 'stubborn': i would say that his insistance to keep Bailey on Barzals' wing and Leo before were fair examples. His insistence to not use Bellows beyond one game in that line and Wahlstrom at all is notable too.

You said a couple of weeks ago that you thought Barry's decision to shoot Wally ninth in that shootout was based on gut instinct. In retrospect, I don't think that was correct and Wallys subsequent benching may have proved that point.
Trotz is a smart old school coach who has beliefs he rightly stands by. For the most part they create discipline in a positive way, but I do think sometimes he cuts off his nose to spite his face.
Overall point is the guy is a damn good coach, but he's not above question
- keaner17

Agreed on your last point. No coach is above question. I was a big fan of Joe Torre when he managed the Yankees, but I didn't always agree with his decisions to go to the bullpen or play the hit-and-run.

Trotz is all about playing sound defensive hockey. His choice of wings to play with Barzal seems, based on his comments over the years, to be based on who complements Barzal DEFENSIVELY. He seems to be concerned with putting young guys like Wally or Bellows on his wing, because Barzal is not strong defensively. I don't think that counts as stubbornness. Trotz is not going to come out and say explicitly that Barzal is a lousy defensive center, but, reading between the lines, I think that is his concern. So he leans toward playing veterans with Barzal, hoping to compensate for Barzal's defensive lapses. (By the way, lest anyone misunderstand, I am a fan of Barzal. But because he stickhandles as much as he does, he is more prone to coughing up the puck, which can lead to odd man rushes the other way.)

Agreed on your last point. No coach is above question. I was a big fan of Joe Torre when he managed the Yankees, but I didn't always agree with his decisions to go to the bullpen or play the hit-and-run.

Trotz is all about playing sound defensive hockey. His choice of wings to play with Barzal seems, based on his comments over the years, to be based on who complements Barzal DEFENSIVELY. He seems to be concerned with putting young guys like Wally or Bellows on his wing, because Barzal is not strong defensively. I don't think that counts as stubbornness. Trotz is not going to come out and say explicitly that Barzal is a lousy defensive center, but, reading between the lines, I think that is his concern. So he leans toward playing veterans with Barzal, hoping to compensate for Barzal's defensive lapses. (By the way, lest anyone misunderstand, I am a fan of Barzal. But because he stickhandles as much as he does, he is more prone to coughing up the puck, which can lead to odd man rushes the other way.)
- JohnScammo

Yes and good defense generally wins in hockey. However they are last in the league in scoring. Maybe take a chance with your best offensive player and give him something to work with.

I gave up Bailey bashing a while ago. He is who he is and he does add value to the team, but he shouldn't be playing with Barzal.

Lastly I think the team misses Eberle more than most want to admit.

Yes and good defense generally wins in hockey. However they are last in the league in scoring. Maybe take a chance with your best offensive player and give him something to work with.

I gave up Bailey bashing a while ago. He is who he is and he does add value to the team, but he shouldn't be playing with Barzal.

Lastly I think the team misses Eberle more than most want to admit.
- JimmyP

I think it’s more Leddy then Eberle especially with Pulock out but who knows…

Tomorrow's game rescheduled for Wednesday

Tomorrow's game rescheduled for Wednesday
- PeteM

This season is all about rescheduling.

This season is all about rescheduling.
- Cptmjl

Fire Lou and Trotz.

Fire Lou and Trotz.
- JimmyP

Do you mean fire trotz can Lou?

Tomorrow's game rescheduled for Wednesday
- PeteM

How much snow is forecasted for LI? We’re only looking at 1-3 up here.

How much snow is forecasted for LI? We’re only looking at 1-3 up here.
- streaks

The latest is 12" -18" for Nassau and 18"-24" for Suffolk

The latest is 12" -18" for Nassau and 18"-24" for Suffolk
- PeteM

Wow. Wish that was happening up here. Could use some snow on the ski hills!!

a majority of the fans here feel Lou's lack of replacing Leddy has hurt the team. While I am not a fan defensively, I do believe the Islander miss he offense. He is available, do you get him back for a 3rd? Potentially make have an offer at the end of the season?