Patrick Roy is the brand new coach of the New York Islanders, employed Saturday in a shocking midseason change behind the bench that got here with the firing of Lane Lambert.
President of hockey operations and basic supervisor Lou Lamoriello introduced the transfer to dismiss Lambert and herald Roy, who hasn’t coached within the NHL in almost a decade. Roy has been talked about in consideration for a number of vacancies since and now will get a second likelihood.
“Watching our crew play, I felt that the inconsistency that has been occurring for some time period was not going to finish,” Lamoriello stated on a video name with reporters. “After I had the chance to satisfy with Patrick not too long ago, I felt that this was the perfect for our group to go ahead.”
The Islanders have misplaced 4 video games in a row and 6 of seven to fall out of a playoff spot. Lamoriello, 81, stated he made the transfer as a result of he nonetheless believes his crew can contend and earn a spot within the Jap Convention playoff race.
Lambert was halfway by way of his second season on the job. Roy coached the Colorado Avalanche for 3 seasons from 2013-16 earlier than abruptly resigning a month earlier than coaching camp.
Roy, 58, stated that in his time away from the NHL, he has realized loads concerning the worth of teaching staffs working to assist gamers enhance.
The four-time Stanley Cup champion who’s third on the profession NHL wins record amongst goalies gained the Jack Adams Award as coach of the yr in 2013-14 after guiding the Avalanche to the playoffs in Nathan MacKinnon’s rookie season. He spent the previous 5 seasons teaching and serving as GM for the junior Quebec Remparts.
“His presence is extraordinarily aggressive,” Lamoriello stated, citing Roy’s success as a participant and a coach. “I believed he was the precise particular person for the job.”
Lambert, former Islanders coach Barry Trotz’s longtime right-hand man, acquired his first NHL head job when he was promoted from assistant in Might 2022. He was on Trotz’s employees once they gained the Cup with Washington in 2018.
Lambert is the fifth coach fired within the league this season after Edmonton’s Jay Woodcroft, Minnesota’s Dean Evason, St. Louis’ Craig Berube and Ottawa’s D.J. Smith.
Roy stated he watched two latest Islanders video games and favored the inspiration of veterans and younger gamers the membership has.
“I noticed that these guys have been sticking collectively,” Roy stated. “Considered one of my targets shall be to convey some consistency to their play.”
Roy, when he labored for Colorado, stated he was “a little bit of a dreamer” so far as desirous to have a say in personnel choices. Not a lot in his new gig, with Lamoriello accountable for these.
“I’ve zero curiosity in administration,” Roy stated.
