The New York
Islanders sacked head coach Barry Trotz on Monday, citing a need for “a
new voice” in the organization, according to president and general manager
Lou Lamoriello.

This season,
the Islanders finished with 84 points (37-35-10) and fell 16 points shy of the
Eastern Conference playoff cut. It was the first time in Trotz’s four seasons
as head coach that the club failed not make the playoffs. On Monday morning,
Lamoriello notified Trotz that the team was parting ways with him. He stated
that the only other people who were aware of the decision were Islanders
ownership, and that he did not confer with anyone or communicate with the
players about the decision.

Also read: Quick change: Kings rout Oilers 4-0 in Game 4, series even

When asked
why he fired Trotz, Lamoriello responded, “I would rather not get into any
of the reasons,” but added, “this decision was not primarily made on
this season.” Trotz went 152-102-34 in four seasons as the team’s coach,
including 28-21 in the playoffs. The Islanders had advanced to the third round
of the playoffs in two consecutive seasons, losing both times to the eventual
Stanley Cup winner Tampa Bay Lightning.

Also read: Lightning strike early, beat Maple Leafs 7-3 to even series

The Islanders had a difficult season this year. They, like other NHL clubs, battled with roster absences and postponements because of the COVID-19 ‘Omicron’ strain. They also began the season with 13 straight road games due to the completion of their new UBS Arena. Lamoriello stated that he considered such conditions before making his judgement.

Trotz’s
teams were recognized for their tough defense, finishing in the top two in
goals-against average twice. However, their defense has fallen to sixth in the
NHL this season. Trotz’s teams never finished better than 21st in goals per
game average throughout his tenure with the Islanders. 

Barry Trotz
led his club to the Conference Finals twice and the second round once in the
three years preceding the drop-off in 2021-22. Along the way, Trotz earned
NHL’s third-highest win record with 914 regular-season victories. During his
first season with the Islanders in 2018-19, Trotz won his second career Jack
Adams Award as NHL coach of the year. He also won the title as the Capitals’
head coach in 2015-16.