Lighthouse Hockey - Snow, Weight fired as Lou Lamoriello ‘changes culture’ for new Islanders eraLighthouse Hockey: Try to fixate on something else.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50729/lhh-fav.png2018-07-05T18:30:01-04:00http://www.lighthousehockey.com/rss/stream/171951912018-07-05T18:30:01-04:002018-07-05T18:30:01-04:00Lamoriello, Trotz: Islanders will move on, quickly. (Also: Trotz on Ho-Sang)
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<img alt="Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Islanders - Game Three" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-8K7NO_05KdbVuo0W2rERnB2AwY=/0x0:2358x1572/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60277065/527830842.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>CULTURE MIX: Just add razor blade. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The underlying message: Yes we’re retooling, but we have the pieces to turn around quickly.</p> <p id="fthzyR">“Change the culture,” Lou Lamoriello said, and Barry Trotz echoed a few weeks later, when both arrived as the new regime guiding the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a>.</p>
<p id="0DgYqR">“Awwww crap, <span>John Tavares</span> is gone,” the entire fanbase said 10 days later.</p>
<p id="Qu2nEg">“And how on earth are <em>these</em> signings supposed to help?” <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/7/1/17524160/free-agency-2018-islanders-sign-valtteri-filppula-tread-water">many of us lamented</a>, as names like <span>Leo Komarov</span>, <span>Valtteri Filppula</span> and <span>Tom Kuhnhackl</span> rolled across the wire.</p>
<p id="rad30c">But after Lamoriello and Trotz made the media rounds today — as one does, to take back control of the message, and here we are falling in line — it sounds like the latter moves are all about the first point: </p>
<p id="bYcch3">The Islanders haven’t been able to land the prime names they’d need to complement nor, as it turns out, replace <span>Tavares</span>. But they are intent on having a cultural foundation in place for when more, younger, better players arrive at the NHL level.</p>
<p id="FRH3n8">The first part of this cultural shift is to make sure the existing players do not dwell on the departure of the star and captain who played with the Isles from 2009-2018. Here’s Lamoriello <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fsiriusxmnhl%2Fisles-gm-lou-lamoriello-on-siriusxmnhl-stellicksimmer-thursday&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2018%2F7%2F5%2F17538450%2Fny-islanders-rebuild-lamoriello-barry-trotz-ho-sang" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">talking about that today on SiriusXM NHL</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="s21tL1">“He’s been an exceptional player for the Islanders and is a quality player. But he now is with another team, so that’s the past.</p>
<p id="vWubXI">”What we’re doing right now is trying to get knowledge of who we are, that (includes) myself, and learning more about each and every one of the players we have here. We’ll get Barry and I and our staff, we’ll get prepared for next year.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="L3F2Uo">It sounds like Lamoriello believes they have to assess what they have, including going through the season with many of them, to help determine who can be built around and who must be discarded. </p>
<h4 id="krAUji">Building a Team, Bringing Back <span>Martin</span>
</h4>
<p id="kZdrj8">He added that probably half the team he inherited will still be with the Isles by next year — which sounds like a lot of turnover, but he was comparing it to Toronto, where he had “maybe 12 or 13” survivors from the 50 or so players he inherited.</p>
<p id="IccvyX">“So it’s totally different” from Toronto, he said — but in a good way. He doesn’t think this turnaround will take long. He thinks this year’s draft was one of the best he’s ever been a part of.</p>
<p id="ATlkQa">Regardless, he’s going to keep hammering the point about building a “team”:</p>
<blockquote><p id="tFhuwD">Individual players win games. Teams win championships. I don’t think we can look any further than what Vegas did this past year. How they were able to accomplish the success they had, by a group of individuals coming together. You need the foundation and culture right from the start to ever have success.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Pmq0bM">He was asked about bringing <span>Matt Martin</span> back and the old “best fourth line in hockey” with <span>Casey Cizikas</span> and Cal Clutterbuck. He said he remembered them from his New Jersey days and agreed, “but that was several years ago. I don’t think we can expect what they did several years ago today. It wouldn’t be fair to the players or the coaches.”</p>
<p id="JdWKWq">But they do have an identity, he said. They are competitive. “We’ll see how they fit, but it’s about what they can do within the framework of the team.”</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lamoriello: 'I think Robin Lehner is a unique case and a unique situation in many cases ... hopefully our coaching staff can get him back to the form he was at. He's determined to get himself back in the forefront.' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a></p>— Jon Lane (@JonLaneNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonLaneNHL/status/1014898895703494657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2018</a>
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<p id="E8zoXh">To that end, <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fsiriusxmnhl%2Fbarry-trotz-was-on-the-power-play-with-scott-laughlin-and-steve-kouleas&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2018%2F7%2F5%2F17538450%2Fny-islanders-rebuild-lamoriello-barry-trotz-ho-sang" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Trotz was also on SiriusXM NHL</a> sharing thoughts and news that reflect both of those imperatives, moving past Tavares and building a culture. </p>
<p id="t3eNhP">First, on moving on from Tavares:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="oO75pQ">“I’ve talked to every player on the roster last year and every player that’s been added so far, talking about some things I expect. We’re making some good headway.</p>
<p id="p9sVbK">What’s been a blessing, the players are just getting to know me as a person and a coach, but when John made his decision, I can’t tell you how many players texted me, ‘You know what, we’re going to be just fine. We’re gonna miss John, but we have lots of pieces here and we are going to get it done as a collective group.’ That is a sign of a team that understands its situation, understands it needs to have a collective mindset, a team mindset, not an individual one. That’s a huge step for any organization going forward.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="oBYV0L">Nice. Good sign.</p>
<p id="w42WhJ">Trotz referenced his own recent experience in Washington, about how “the strength is in the group.” He pointed to how everyone expected the Caps to win the Cup a few years ago, but you turn around and it’s this years group, with more rookies thrown in, that gets it done.</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="hUYQbp">“I look at the good young players the Islanders have. This league is getting younger. ... The future is really bright for the Islanders. We’re right around the corner of doing something great. ... Barzal, the good young players coming up in the system.</p>
<p id="vf0UDq">“It’s not always the best team that always wins. It’s the team that plays the best. The depth we’ve added is better than the team has had in a while. We’re going to play a real structured system in terms of our work ethic, our tempo, our ability to check. We’re going to cut the goals against down and we’re going to win some hockey games. </p>
<p id="rY1U9L">“We’re going to develop some great people and build a great culture. ... Lou and myself, we have a lot of experience, the commitment is very high. I would tell everyone on the Island, we’re going to put something together real quick here.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="95Ukwn">They’re the right things to say. They need to be said. It’s still good to hear them.</p>
<h4 id="iBV6PA">Also: Trotz on Ho-Sang</h4>
<p id="pJy7Ca">He was asked about young players who can move up, and <span>Joshua Ho-Sang</span> in particular:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="XZYf9I">“I’ve spent a couple of hours already with Josh. We talked about his game, his future, what he wants to do, what I expect, things that we can improve. Some things that are said about Josh, he’s a talented, talented young man. He sees the game a little differently than some people. And I think getting a little balance, dialogue with a young man like that, the upside is tremendous. He has NHL skill and NHL ability. ... </p>
<p id="vdurSy">“From my standpoint there are certain expectations we’ll have for him on and off the ice, but I think he realizes certain things in the past that may have gotten him in trouble, that’s just a young man who is just growing up. I think he’s done a lot of growth, from what I understand from the coaching staff. I talked to him, and to me it’s finding what makes him go, what makes him tick, it’s on us. He’s a tremendous talent, put him in the lineup because he has speed, he has skill, it’s just getting all the pieces in the right order for a young man who has the ability to play in the NHL, no question about that.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Gp9D35">So, for now at least, you can figure the Islanders are ready to see what they have in Ho-Sang...and every other player already under control.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/7/5/17538450/ny-islanders-rebuild-lamoriello-barry-trotz-ho-sangDominik2018-06-21T15:46:01-04:002018-06-21T15:46:01-04:00Here’s Every Islanders Head Coach Ranked by NHL Wins
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<img alt="2018 NHL Stanley Cup Final - Game Five" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-1GD-wtk_APqPodbkGVknWQaZZk=/0x0:4445x2963/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60140505/969551988.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>He’ll slot right in. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Barry Trotz is the new guy in charge. Where does he fit?</p> <p id="Rizi8e"><a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/21/17489100/barry-trotz-islanders-head-coach-reports">Barry Trotz is the new head coach</a> of the New York Islanders. Even if you grade him by “yes but he was in Nashville forever and couldn’t get them past the second round and then in D.C. he didn’t win it all until he was about to be...” there is ample, historical reason for every Islanders fan to be pretty excited right now.</p>
<p id="W0XRzL">Because, well, this isn’t the kind of hiring that hasn’t happened in a long, long while on the Island. Actually, it’s kind of <em>never happened</em>.</p>
<p id="jzy7yo">For perspective:</p>
<h4 id="PSOlgK">Every Islanders Head Coach Ranked by Total NHL Wins as of June 2018*</h4>
<ol>
<li id="taH39D">Al Arbour - 782 (plus 123 playoff wins)</li>
<li id="FVg0fE">Barry Trotz - 762 (plus 55 playoffs)</li>
<li id="WGlXO9">Peter Laviolette - 571 (plus 73 playoffs)</li>
<li id="JoG1ij">Jack Capuano - 227 (plus 10 playoffs)</li>
<li id="E5FIca">Ted Nolan - 187 (plus 6 playoffs)</li>
<li id="fWhnIm">Terry Simpson - 159 (plus 11 playoffs)</li>
<li id="EWG0mX">Mike Milbury - 143 (plus 22 playoffs)</li>
<li id="YhrLET">Rick Bowness - 123 (plus 8 playoffs)</li>
<li id="67Skbm">Lorne Henning - 87 (plus 2 playoff wins)</li>
<li id="cFgnNT">Butch Goring - 83</li>
<li id="WuHR2o">Scott Gordon - 64</li>
<li id="BMwrMJ">
<span>Doug Weight</span> - 59</li>
<li id="cZWtTT">Steve Stirling - 56</li>
<li id="kPvzG1">Brad Shaw - 18</li>
<li id="E8wKsR">Bill Stewart - 11</li>
<li id="COVjtJ">Phil Goyette - 6</li>
<li id="jvu3xY">Earl Ingarfield - 6</li>
</ol>
<p id="REM0ay"><em>*Includes wins with any NHL team in regular season, per hockey-reference.com. Even though we prioritize playoffs over everything else in this league, somehow those never figure** into career statistics.</em></p>
<p id="avsOo1"><em>**Because if they did, we’d know Mike Bossy for his 658 NHL goals (including playoffs) instead of 573.</em></p>
<p id="uCNvNd"><em>***Trotz, Laviolette, Capuano and Weight’s wins are inflated by coaching in the NHL’s “The People Demand A Winner” OTL/shootout era, but still.</em></p>
<p id="lWD7OS">The first guy on that list is a legend who defined the franchise, and while he was hired with great promise (and a Scotty Bowman endorsement), he’d only coached parts of three NHL seasons before joining the Isles.</p>
<p id="5nUwXz">The third guy was an unproven AHL coach they took a chance on, who turned out well — yay! — but Milbury canned him, so he won a Cup with someone else, and took two other teams to Cup finals. Including just last year.</p>
<p id="QAnAUe">The fourth guy was also an AHL promotion who coached through most of the rebuild and the Garth Snow era. Still not even half the win totals as the guy above him, yet he’s second on the Islanders’ all-time list for wins behind the Isles bench.</p>
<p id="DCN9iW">The fifth guy was the last “proven” coach the Isles hired, and even that is modest.</p>
<p id="obf71u">You get the picture. The second guy on the list is their new coach.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/21/17489864/new-york-islanders-head-coaches-ranked-nhl-winsDominik2018-06-12T13:52:48-04:002018-06-12T13:52:48-04:00Lamoriello adds old Devils Asst. GM Pellegrini; both in NHL concussion suit
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<img alt="2012 NHL Entry Draft - Round One" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sPC_Ufzde3F9UyYX4ZO-_wb3Ris=/0x0:3336x2224/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60036405/147154736.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>“He’s a friend of ours.”</figcaption>
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<p>Here’s hoping our new Devilish overlords have learned about head injuries.</p> <p id="E1RVk8">The Lamoriello-fication of the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> continues apace, with the team <a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/pellegrini-named-assistant-general-manager/c-299028118">announcing that Steve Pellegrini has joined</a> as an assistant general manager. Pellegrini, who worked alongside Lou Lamoriello with the <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">New Jersey Devils</a> beginning in 2006, moves from the Devils to reunite with Lou and Lou’s son, Chris, who is also an (incumbent) assistant general manager with the Islanders.</p>
<p id="xYLfT5">With the Devils, Pellegrini worked on “contract negotiation/salary arbitration preparation, collective bargaining agreement/salary cap compliance, scheduling and scouting,” and prior to that he worked with the league office’s Central Registry Department (1998-2006), serving on the league’s CBA negotiating committee and assisting on CBA rules and regulation enforcement. </p>
<p id="dT13dh">So, you know how many think Lamoriello gets his own rules? Well, his other insider is now on the Isles side.</p>
<p id="twH3Wz">We’ll see what this means, if anything, for Kerry Gwydir, who was former general manager Garth Snow’s longtime assistant and reported contracts/CBA expert.</p>
<h4 id="bI392t">Ugly Concussion History with the New Executives</h4>
<p id="Fkerha">But more interestingly, the elder Lamoriello and Pellegrini join the Isles right as their names are surfacing again in coverage of the on-going concussion lawsuit against the NHL. [<em>Insert your “Of course the Isles add a management legend right as his name starts appearing in the papers” lament here.</em>]</p>
<p id="kgELOT">You may remember <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/years-into-concussion-lawsuit-jacobs-and-other-nhl-owners-deny-knowledge-of-cte-1.1095287">TSN’s series last month about the years-long suit</a>, after reviewing 31 depositions from the case that were made publicly available, included video and quotes from <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/players-manager-lamoriello-testifies-on-peluso-case-fighting-in-the-nhl-1.1098096">Lamoriello’s deposition about the Devils and Mike Peluso</a>.</p>
<p id="IkBMBj">Peluso, who is suffering several life-altering debilitations that his suit alleges are the result of his NHL career, said he was pressured to return to the lineup and fight even while experiencing the effects concussions.</p>
<p id="tQ7eiP">Lamoriello sounded genuinely surprised by Peluso’s accusations, and his responses under questioning demonstrate one of the reasons he and Gary Bettman get along just great.</p>
<h4 id="dhiVx1">Special Treatment?</h4>
<p id="6cZJWw"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F388088%2F2018%2F06%2F12%2Fconcussion-depositions-reveal-devils-flames-canadiens-failed-to-follow-protocols%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2018%2F6%2F12%2F17453814%2Flamoriello-steve-pellegrini-islanders-nhl-concussion-suit" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Katie Strang of The Athletic wrote about the suit further in a piece published today</a>, including more about Lamoriello and Pellegrini in their roles with the Devils. In particular, from the depositions there is evidence that three teams were not following the NHL concussion protocol back in 2007, when the two new Islanders executives were with the Devils:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="75RY61">And though these depositions reference penalties to both the <a href="https://www.matchsticksandgasoline.com/">Flames</a> and the <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Canadiens</a>, testimony indicates the Devils were neither fined nor disciplined for their infractions.</p>
<p id="0jlEAi">Of the three teams, the Devils were most frequently mentioned in relation to noncompliance. Both deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHL counsel Julie Grand acknowledged in their respective depositions the Devils’ failure to follow certain standards — and in at least one case joked about it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="XxP80y">You know how I made that Lamoriello-Bettman quip earlier? Here’s another example, from The Athletic’s review of the depositions, about why the Devils were not performing the league-mandated baseline testing in preseason:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="Y83B2O">“So just to be clear, the one year that the Devils did not perform baseline testing at the — before the start of the season, when did the Devils actually perform the baseline testing on those players?” Stuart Davidson, a lawyer for the plaintiffs in the concussion suit vs. the NHL, asks Lamoriello.</p>
<p id="XfiMNv"><strong>LAMORIELLO:</strong><em><strong> </strong></em><em>“</em>Postseason.”</p>
<p id="0xKe2n"><strong>DAVIDSON:</strong> “Postseason. Does that mean during the playoffs or at the end of the entire season inclusive of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-playoffs">Stanley Cup</a>?”</p>
<p id="AJfwZk"><strong>LAMORIELLO:</strong> “It would be at the end of the season.”</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="5zSUaT">Clever!</p>
<p id="13EfCY">To be fair to Lamoriello, in Strang’s piece she noted Bryce Salvador’s testimonial in the <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/en-us/articles/bryce-salvador-devils-retirement)">Players Tribune where he thanked Lamoriello</a> for his patience with him as Salvador recovered from a head injury that gave him vertigo-like symptoms.</p>
<p id="N26wQ3">Of course, maybe that kind — and legally compliant -- treatment of Salvador was Lamoriello learning from past oversights. Because these accusations about how the Devils under Lou handled head injuries are not new, and not rare. <a href="https://nypost.com/2006/03/05/devil-head-games-report-mogilny-claims-he-suffered-concussion/">Here is just one report from 2006, via the Post (emphases mine)</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="cJPk0F">A report is surfacing that another dispute over a head injury immediately preceded Lou Lamoriello’s waiver and demotion of Alexander Mogilny in January.</p>
<p id="Fw1k8O">The report claims the two “discussed” at high volume the scratching of Mogilny on Jan. 3, the date Patrik Elias returned to the Devils’ lineup from hepatitis. Mogilny was listed as a healthy scratch, but the report suggests he was annoyed by that designation and wanted the team to list him as a concussion case.</p>
<p id="er7IES">Mogilny was struck on the chin by a puck in Washington on Nov. 11, leaving that game and missing the next four. He played the next 20 straight, but hasn’t played in the NHL since Dec. 31.</p>
<p id="UwIots">The <strong>Devils have developed a reputation for reflexively rejecting concussion as a diagnosis without overwhelming evidence</strong>. They insisted in 2002-03 that Oleg Tverdovsky was suffering a flulike ailment until Tverdovsky flew to Montreal on his own dime to consult a leading head-injury specialist. Even Scott Stevens’ post-concussion syndrome was first termed a flulike ailment in 2003-04, when he returned to action in the 2003 playoffs after being felled by a slap shot to the head.</p>
<p id="2NH2J0">The <strong>suspicion is the Devils resist the mandated protocols</strong>, tests and rest periods the league has instituted for concussion cases. Mogilny did not play for Albany until Jan. 12.</p>
<p id="M0tK91">The <strong>whispering campaign around Devildom was that Mogilny was a bad egg</strong> in the locker room, a claim that was hard to believe.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="3akQir">Honestly, it was pretty distasteful back then, and looks reprehensible in retrospect.</p>
<p id="wIInVU">However, to be charitable to these parties, it’s taken a long time for “old school” hockey people (and fans) to learn and realize the actual devastating effects of head injuries, and how to spot them. Some still aren’t there yet, somehow.</p>
<p id="xNypvS">Back then, as hard as it is to believe considering many had already sounded the alarm, some very respected names in the game still saw the after-effects of concussions as character flaws.</p>
<p id="pAuTN8"><em>“Come on, shake it off for the team!”</em></p>
<p id="FYf14g">Especially misunderstood was that a player could come back from a concussion quickly, only to suffer even worsening symptoms as a result. That’s where old schoolers would think, “Come on, you already came back from it, what’s the problem?”</p>
<p id="OhltOc">It’s that kind of thinking that probably put Mogilny, an offensively gifted Russian, under “bad egg” scrutiny while good ol’ tough Canadian boy Peluso’s struggles went unnoticed. Simply did not compute. </p>
<p id="a6DS9c">Where once many of us dismissed these injuries with cute phrases like “he just got his bell rung” and “well, keep your head up” — even when the assailant was a <a href="https://youtu.be/OPBjtgBlOfw?t=28">master of predatory ambush</a> — as we cheered on violent fights and checks to the head, today many have adjusted with better understanding of the immediate harm and long-term consequences.</p>
<p id="hFcfJF">The league and teams have (slowly) adjusted too, while also carefully dragging their feet in every effort to avoid admitting liability or blame for past incidents.</p>
<p id="gsKzye">So this on-going suit shouldn’t have any effect on Lamoriello or Pellegrini in terms of their roles with the Islanders. But it’s worth noting where the new Isles braintrust came from and how they handled this issue. </p>
<p id="Y7Lx9A">Because there may be new loopholes to weave through in the future.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/12/17453814/lamoriello-steve-pellegrini-islanders-nhl-concussion-suitDominik2018-06-07T10:30:01-04:002018-06-07T10:30:01-04:00Islanders Anxiety Ep. 53 - What the Hell Happened Yesterday?
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<img alt="Islanders Anxiety Art" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3lrOnfPSlCGIaI31-KtcT67_jp8=/0x533:1600x1600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59982761/LHH_Islanders_Anxiety_Art.0.0.jpg" />
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<p>Okay, this is being posted on Thursday and it happened on Tuesday but you get the point.</p> <p id="Jx5apd">New Islanders executive Lou Lamoriello has done what was previously unthinkable, <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17431150/snow-weight-fired-lou-lamoriello-islanders-sweep">relieving GM Garth Snow and coach Doug Weight of their duties</a>. Mike and Dan discuss this huge move and what it means for the team, not just for next season or the future of John Tavares, but for the organization as a whole.</p>
<p id="7zADb6">They also have had enough of the Great Northern Rumor Mill and its affect on their ability to enjoy the sport.</p>
<p id="Fb3d5a">Thanks again to Mark for the review. It’s hard to make these shorter when they’re so fun and cathartic.</p>
<div id="7l5ADI"><iframe src="https://player.pippa.io/59bbe779352fcb4e698c8107/episodes/islanders-anxiety-ep-53-what-happened-yesterday-snow-weight?theme=default&cover=1&latest=1" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="110px"></iframe></div>
<h3 id="uxNJgr"></h3>
<h3 id="zZSjsH">References:</h3>
<ul>
<li id="oV1K8m">If you haven’t already, listen to <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/590/prime-time-sports/june-6-lou-lamoriello-on-his-new-gig-in-new-york/">Lamoriello’s interview with Bob McCown and John Shannon</a> from Wednesday. It’s good.</li>
<li id="xmPGI4">
<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/lou-lamoriello-islanders-coach-1.19012586">Andrew Gross runs down</a> some of Lou’s boldest moves when he was with New Jersey. Some worked out better than others.</li>
<li id="xbgK2A">Here’s a look at <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/onetigerfan/sets/131652/">some Sound Tigers jerseys throughout the years</a>, including the ones Mike mentions.</li>
<li id="wBj11b">Be sure to check out Lighthouse Hockey’s newest podcast, <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17432150/isles-buzz-podcast-weight-garth-snow-fired">Isles Buzz with Noel and Dan</a>, which will make its home here from now on. Great to have them aboard.</li>
</ul>
<p id="L5RQTj"><strong>Please subscribe, download, rate, review or spread the word as best you can.</strong> All of it helps to raise the show's profile and maybe could get us a fancy sponsor to sell out to in the near future. And if you give us an iTunes review, leave us message on Sound Cloud, write a comment here or even send us a tweet, we might just read it on our next show.</p>
<p id="YY4xcs"><br>Theme Song: "Sports" by Josh Spacek, available at the <a href="http://FreeMusicArchive.org">FreeMusicArchive.org</a>.</p>
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<p id="VI87xV"><strong>You can subscribe</strong> to <em>Islanders Anxiety</em> in any podcast app using our RSS feed: <a href="https://feed.pippa.io/public/shows/islandersanxiety">https://feed.pippa.io/public/shows/islandersanxiety</a></p>
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https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/7/17436046/islanders-anxiety-episode-53-what-happened-yesterday-garth-snow-doug-weight-relievedDan SaraceniMichael J. Leboff2018-06-06T07:15:01-04:002018-06-06T07:15:01-04:00[Isles Bits] Lou drops the Snow-Weight shoe
<figure>
<img alt="Owners And Players Meet To Discuss NHL Lockout" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/48pG-lAvVAByk11I8MBnoQKVvVQ=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59969191/157664610.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Officially now: Out with the old. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Time to do things “a certain way, a different way, a consistent way.” The Lou way.</p> <p id="rqjpYw">The deed is done.</p>
<p id="DrZj4M">When the season ended without any decisive moves, we wondered what was left for Jon Ledecky to evaluate.</p>
<p id="35TPNt">When it became clear it wasn’t his call, and Scott Malkin was waiting on Lou Lamoriello’s availability, we wondered how long it would take Lou to put his stamp on the franchise.</p>
<p id="26l98y">Lou’s evaluation took less than two weeks.</p>
<h4 id="BsIxwS">
<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">Islanders</a> Reading</h4>
<ul>
<li id="dYNT5R">The news breaks, and the threads go crazy. [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17430598/garth-snow-doug-weight-fired-lamoriello-general-manager">LHH</a>]</li>
<li id="to3S2F">Brian Compton’s story, also including an embed of an NHL Network interview with Arthur Staple. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/news/lamoriello-has-islanders-in-his-hands-with-firings-of-gm-coach/c-298952228">NHL</a>]</li>
<li id="czBuVm">Lou seeks a “new culture,” and “new voices are needed in certain areas.” Saddle up. [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17431368/lamoriello-snow-weight-culture-change">LHH</a> | <a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/islanders-garth-snow-doug-weight-1.18985504">Newsday</a> | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F381596%2F2018%2F06%2F05%2Fa-culture-change-was-needed-speculation-begins-as-islanders-relieve-garth-snow-and-doug-weight-of-their-duties%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2018%2F6%2F6%2F17432784%2Fislanders-news-weight-snow-lamoriello-coach-candidates" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Athletic</a> | <a href="https://nypost.com/2018/06/05/islanders-culture-change-begins-as-lou-lamoriello-axes-hierarchy/?utm_campaign=iosapp&utm_source=twitter_app">Post</a>] Listen to the audio from the conference call here. [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/islanders/news/audio-lou-lamoriello-conference-call/c-298948756">Isles</a>]</li>
<li id="Zz64Lm">“It’s just doing little things a certain way, a different way, a consistent way.” [<a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/lamoriello-regains-devils-level-power-islanders/">Sportsnet</a>]</li>
<li id="nEX6Cs">We know Lou is the new general manager. Who will be the new head coach? [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17430704/doug-weight-fired-islanders-coach-candidates">LHH</a> | <a href="https://nypost.com/2018/06/05/breaking-down-early-contenders-for-islanders-coaching-job/">Post</a> | <a href="https://www.msgnetworks.com/2018/06/05/exit-snow-weight-who-replaces-them/">MSG</a> | <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F381959%2F2018%2F06%2F06%2Fbreaking-down-the-likely-islanders-coaching-candidates-and-a-few-for-gm-as-well%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2018%2F6%2F6%2F17432784%2Fislanders-news-weight-snow-lamoriello-coach-candidates" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>]</li>
<li id="twuo6s">Put Mark Herrmann in the camp of thinking this is good news for Tavares. [<a href="https://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists/mark-herrmann/herrmann-lamoriello-gives-tavares-something-to-look-forward-to-1.18991217">Newsday</a>]</li>
<li id="T9DACC">As you might imagine, how this affects Tavares was on a lot of minds, and Dan has you covered with updates to the Encyclopedia. [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/4/9/17212910/islanders-john-tavares-free-agency-contract-encyclopedia-volume-3">LHH</a>]</li>
<li id="HWGyOc">The news made for a perfect opening topic for Noel and Dan Petriw on the Isles Buzz podcast, which we’ll be sharing here at LHH with Noel in the fold. [<a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17432150/isles-buzz-podcast-weight-garth-snow-fired">LHH/Isles Buzz</a>]</li>
<li id="1Dkskg">Vote for Eberle! [<a href="https://www.nhl.com/fans/nhl-fan-choice-awards">NHL Fan Choice Awards</a>]</li>
<li id="OZGpxR">LATE UPDATE - The Score’s Josh Wegman, who has apparently just emerged Brendan Fraser-style from a bunker somewhere upstate, tosses out a Johnny ABS article and makes the Encyclopedia All-Star team. [<a href="https://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/1551380">The Score</a>]</li>
</ul>
<h4 id="RoNt73">Elsewhere</h4>
<ul>
<li id="EdYX0l">The <a href="https://www.knightsonice.com">Golden Knights</a> think maybe the municipal powers that be shouldn’t be planning a parade just yet. [<a href="https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2018/06/04/golden-knights-put-stop-to-countys-premature-parade-planning/">NBC</a>]</li>
<li id="OZHFV7">Twenty players who could be on the move via trade this summer, not all of them <a href="https://www.canescountry.com/">Hurricanes</a>. [<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheathletic.com%2F381059%2F2018%2F06%2F05%2Fnhl-trade-big-board-20-players-who-could-be-on-the-move-this-summer%2F&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lighthousehockey.com%2F2018%2F6%2F6%2F17432784%2Fislanders-news-weight-snow-lamoriello-coach-candidates" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">The Athletic</a>] <em>Foreshadowing: One of them reads like it was lifted from something we’ve already written, but haven’t yet published...</em>
</li>
<li id="2jh14I">The SBN NHL Mock Draft continues with the <a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/">Canadiens</a> taking Filip Zadina [<a href="https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/nhl-entry-draft-picks-2018/2018/6/5/17370718/filip-zadina-montreal-canadiens-nhl-mock-draft-2018-third-overall-pick-winger-halifax-mooseheads?_ga=2.196433956.9017636.1528247316-1146306238.1526442626">HEOTP</a>], the <a href="https://www.silversevensens.com/">Senators</a> taking Quinn Hughes [<a href="https://www.silversevensens.com/2018/6/5/17427660/ottawa-senators-quinn-hughes-nhl-mock-draft-2018?_ga=2.123891842.9017636.1528247316-1146306238.1526442626">Silver Seven</a>], and the <a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com/">Coyotes</a> taking Brady Tkachuk [<a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com/2018/6/5/17428970/brady-tkachuk-arizona-coyotes-nhl-mock-draft-2018?_ga=2.86669456.9017636.1528247316-1146306238.1526442626">Five for Howling</a>]</li>
<li id="VmipbL">Offseason Gameplan, <a href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">Sharks</a> Edition. [<a href="https://www.tsn.ca/off-season-game-plan-san-jose-sharks-1.1104084">TSN</a>]</li>
</ul>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/6/17432784/islanders-news-weight-snow-lamoriello-coach-candidatesDominik2018-06-05T21:23:19-04:002018-06-05T21:23:19-04:00Isles Buzz Podcast: Weight and Snow fired
<figure>
<img alt="NHL: New York Islanders at Pittsburgh Penguins" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/J-V47k6hAMy7SIk97cyOgk7Mgb4=/0x0:2418x1612/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59967477/usa_today_9976593.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>His postgame press conferences will be missed | Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We debut the podcast with a bang</p> <p id="EnzONg">I’m excited to announce that the Isles Buzz podcast can now be found on Lighthouse Hockey. New open, but same great analysis. </p>
<p id="3HrdIp">The first episode with LHH starts with a bang, on the day the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17431150/snow-weight-fired-lou-lamoriello-islanders-sweep">Islanders announced the firing of general manager Garth Snow and head coach Doug Weight</a> (though they remain with the organization), while Lou Lamoriello has named himself GM and begins the coaching search immediately.</p>
<div id="GoMMgT"><iframe width="100%" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F454290552&show_artwork=true"></iframe></div>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17432150/isles-buzz-podcast-weight-garth-snow-firedNoel Fogelman2018-06-05T17:28:25-04:002018-06-05T17:28:25-04:00Lamoriello: Snow, Weight removed because Islanders need ‘culture change’
<figure>
<img alt="Dallas Stars v New York Islanders" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zT4SdNVXnuMIi_IGTzl0HPZFAqs=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59965145/632125066.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Culture change. | Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>But everything else, including scouts and staff, is the same (for now).</p> <p id="D7rB9f">A few hours after the <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> announced that general manager Garth Snow and head coach <span>Doug Weight</span> had been relieved of those duties — though to remain with the club — Lou Lamoriello told reporters via conference call that the moves were done because a “culture change” was needed.</p>
<p id="OnjTU5">However, no other changes were announced. That includes the staff preparing for this month’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-draft">NHL entry draft</a> in Dallas, and also, at least for now, the rest of the coaching staff.</p>
<div id="tHQX0j">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lou Lamoriello said he is "comfortable" with the work the current <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> scouting staff has done toward the draft and says the draft is in their hands.</p>— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGrossNewsday/status/1004100745552125952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="kMOCqR">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lamoriello said "culture change" was needed and that's why he let Snow, "a close personal friend," and Weight go. Said he's already reached out to both.</p>— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) <a href="https://twitter.com/StapeAthletic/status/1004101072007454727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="CVUyW9">All of this is, of course, subject to change. It’s best to remember, always, that any news from Lamoriello comes only when he feels it needs to be decided or announced. He needed to signal decisive change at the top, and that’s what he’s done today.</p>
<p id="Och48I">Lamoriello said he reached out to Snow and Weight to let them know. But surely decisions on other coaching staff members are to come, even if that means retaining some of them.</p>
<div id="NrHfiF">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lamoriello says <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> will hire best coach available. Everything else as far as new GM or assistant coaching changes is “status quo.” <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a></p>— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) <a href="https://twitter.com/BComptonNHL/status/1004110841975894021?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="0jr97B">What this does, however, is signal to current players and potential signings that not only is a new sheriff in town, but he’s done away with the other primary decision-makers of the past.</p>
<p id="gMwTNz">To be honest, Snow and Weight are probably still with the franchise in some capacity because they have been long-serving soldiers who are still under contract. So might as well make use of them and/or not create a severance agreement that risks paying them after they land a new gig with another team, however unlikely that might be.</p>
<div id="d2wDXS">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lamoriello: 'There are not specific roles laid out, but the respect I have for them as people and hockey people and I feel they can be valuable picking their brain in certain areas. It will be determined as we go along' <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isles</a></p>— Andy Graziano (@AndyGraz_WFAN) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndyGraz_WFAN/status/1004098907390054400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<div id="tdlzZV">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lou Lamoriello calls Garth Snow a "personal friend." Says they've had meetings and conversations over last two weeks and a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYI</a> culture change is needed.</p>— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1004098708340801536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="l8UqZc">Lamoriello also said, as you no doubt expected if asked, that the decisions were in now way affected by the prospects of being able to re-sign team captain and unrestricted free agent <span>John Tavares</span>.</p>
<div id="3haM8i">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Lou Lamoriello, on how today's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NYI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NYI</a> firings may impact his ability to extend John Tavares: "That certainly has not and did not enter into any of the decisions that were made."</p>— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) <a href="https://twitter.com/reporterchris/status/1004100225533820928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="jwIqmm">So, now on the agenda:</p>
<ul>
<li id="ymAf3A">Find and hire a coach. And his staff.</li>
<li id="bfEdSv">Conduct the draft.</li>
<li id="vSjR5d">Get <span>John Tavares</span> (and <span>Ilya Kovalchuk</span>?) to sign.</li>
<li id="HWZ9kg">(Oh, and fined roles for the newly fired.)</li>
</ul>
<p id="E9lEqc">Profit?</p>
<p id="5X3Awq"></p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17431368/lamoriello-snow-weight-culture-changeDominik2018-06-05T15:17:41-04:002018-06-05T15:17:41-04:00Doug Weight Fired: Who will coach the Islanders?
<figure>
<img alt="Sheldon Keefe #46" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/I55RSr83GhxKtGfpoY-WAqSYX4s=/0x0:3487x2325/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59963367/655207.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Any reason to flash these old unis, we’ll take it.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Whether Lou Lamoriello goes old school or new school will be a sign of what to expect from the new era</p> <p id="1B1ra6">Now that <span>Doug Weight</span> has been <s>fired</s> “relieved” of head coaching duties, who will be the next <a href="https://www.lighthousehockey.com/">New York Islanders</a> head coach?</p>
<p id="hRGZ14">For starters, unlike the last eight years, the Islanders coach will not be a former interim/assistant man. Once Garth Snow gave Weight the non-interim title, Weight assembled quite the staff of assistants to go with promoted associate coach Greg Conin. Scott Gomez. Kelly Buchberger. Luke Richardson. You can bet those guys aren’t going to be named head coach — although Buchberger and particularly Richardson have been seen as NHL head coaching candidates in the past.</p>
<div id="RcB3sy">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">No official word from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Isles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Isles</a> ahead of the Lamoriello conference call, but it appears that Doug Weight's entire coaching staff has also been let go. Not a surprise given the earlier announcements.</p>— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) <a href="https://twitter.com/StapeAthletic/status/1004081703785238528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2018</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p id="iayWWI">Smart money is on General Manager Lou Lamoriello bringing in his own man from outside. Who he selects will ultimately tell us a lot about how much new thinking the 75-year-old is bringing to his third stint as an NHL general manager.</p>
<p id="km2EXs">Some possibilities? Here are some ideas, informed strictly by what’s out there, what’s been talked about before Tuesday’s news hit, and what will get you, the reader, debating and raving:</p>
<h3 id="jTog2J">The Up and Comers</h3>
<h4 id="t4y5vL">Sheldon Keefe</h4>
<p id="kOp1HB">This is by no means a slam dunk, but plug Keefe, a former NHL forward, into the “progressive thinking” camp. He is considered forward-thinking, and he’s had great success developing players <em>and</em> winning at the AHL level with the Toronto Marlies. (He’s also had tons of resources and outstanding young and veteran players with which to succeed at that level.)</p>
<p id="DsOezs">And of course, Lamoriello would know Keefe’s work well, having just come from the <a href="https://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/">Maple Leafs</a>.</p>
<p id="QW1Q6Q">Opportunities are fleeting in the NHL — just ask Weight -- and it’s foolish to think Mike Babcock is ready to step away from the Leafs anytime soon. So Keefe is likely to jump at an NHL opportunity before too long.</p>
<h4 id="Lb9ZkA">DJ Smith</h4>
<p id="ocPqP5">Sticking with the Leafs organization, DJ Smith is also <a href="https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/maple-leafs-grooming-d-j-smith-become-nhl-head-coach/">well regarded and seen as an up-and-comer</a>. Smith is known for his OHL Calder Cup championship behind Oshawa’s bench — defeating <span>Connor McDavid</span> and Erie — but he garners high praise from Babcock, who wouldn’t stand in his way of a head gig:</p>
<p id="ry58bh">“I always look when I’m hiring for serial winners: Wherever they’ve gone, they’ve won,” Babcock said, in that Sportsnet article on Smith.</p>
<h4 id="jYNv7G">Todd Reirden</h4>
<p id="fM94v6">You know how the Islanders defensive structure and discipline completely stunk under Weight? Todd Reirden would fix that.</p>
<p id="2xQwBk">And the <a href="https://www.japersrink.com/">Capitals</a> associate coach is in an interesting spot. He was promoted from the AHL to Barry Trotz’s staff and then later from assistant to associate in part because, as with Smith and Keefe, <a href="http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/22424932/nhl-capitals-associate-coach-todd-reirden-denver-jim-montgomery-top-nhl-coaching-prospects">he was seen as an heir apparent to an NHL job</a>. But Trotz has been with the Capitals for a while, with repeated playoff stalls until this season, where the Caps as of today are one win away from the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nhl-playoffs">Stanley Cup</a>.</p>
<p id="Oa9ISg">Trotz is reportedly on an expiring contract, with <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/capitals/for-capitals-barry-trotz-the-future-is-at-stake-in-these-stanley-cup-playoffs/2018/04/11/247b8e1e-3db9-11e8-974f-aacd97698cef_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.dfd2ea661908">everyone previously expecting Reardon to take over</a>. Their Cup run complicates things.</p>
<p id="nuxALA">If a Cup victory means Reirden means Trotz stays, then would he ask to get a shot elsewhere? Which brings us to...</p>
<h3 id="qk2Gh5">Old Timers</h3>
<h4 id="Y5EMmW">Barry Trotz</h4>
<p id="bRNOqy">Even if the Capitals win, maybe the team and Trotz agree to part ways on top? He’s long been seen as a successful coach with the <a href="https://www.ontheforecheck.com/">Predators</a> — where he did a lot with a little — and the Capitals but couldn’t get either team past the second round. Until this year.</p>
<p id="RHS3Dq">Still, if those two parties say the relationship has been great but it’s time for a fresh start, then Trotz might be ready for a new challenge. And an expiring contract would mean no barrier to him joining an in-division rival.</p>
<h4 id="wpYgaM">Larry Robinson</h4>
<p id="cDg9Io">Robinson is still often cited as an ideal coaching candidate because of his previous stints with the <a href="https://www.jewelsfromthecrown.com/">Kings</a> and <a href="https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/">Devils</a>, where he won a Cup. However, last time he was in the running for jobs, word was he didn’t want to relocate after ending a five-year association with the <a href="https://www.fearthefin.com/">San Jose Sharks</a>.</p>
<p id="UgK0St">Situations change, and he and Lamoriello have a succesful history. You never know.</p>
<h4 id="7MNXMe">Scott Stevens</h4>
<p id="87h1iv">Would Stevens even want this? Ever since Lamoriello was hired by the Islanders, hockey media put Stevens’ name in the mix as potentially helping out the Islanders defense.</p>
<p id="DI2SL9">But he left his last stint as an assistant in Minnesota, where he was otherwise quite happy (at least according to his public statements), because he didn’t want to live and travel so far from family. Being in New York might change that, and maybe another year’s time — plus the opportunity to work with Lamoriello again — has altered the situation.</p>
<p id="RGoUWO">Consider him a candidate for the bench one way or another.</p>
<h4 id="rxPlUn">Ken Hitchcock</h4>
<p id="D986Zo">Ha! Ha. Notice a theme here? All of these candidates are known for defensive acumen, although literally any coaching candidate would look like a defensive savior relative to how the Islanders played last season.</p>
<p id="jkQq7O">Hitchcock, who had previously said his final year with the <a href="https://www.stlouisgametime.com/">Blues</a> would be his final season of head coaching, then went on to a one-year coaching return with the <a href="https://www.defendingbigd.com/">Stars</a> before again saying that was it. He remains with the Stars in an advisory capacity and that sounds like a legit desire.</p>
<p id="P03Q3d">So doubt he returns to coaching. But the lure of the competition for some of these guys never dies...</p>
<p id="WtpPF7">Still, we mention him here only because he’s been brought up like every single time someone has been upset with Islanders coaching over the last decade.</p>
<h4 id="AJxNb9">Joel Quenneville</h4>
<p id="ak6XgJ">Quenneville is staying in Chicago. That’s the word. But their core is starting to age, the team is on a downward trend, they’ve messed with his staff multiple times there, and owner Rocky Wirtz literally just said the other day that if they get off to a bad start next season there will be changes.</p>
<p id="3rNrFK">For a guy who guided them to three Stanley Cups, maybe he wants a little more sway than that? And you know, the league has a way of bending if Lou wants something.</p>
<p id="VI9mOM">Like Hitchcock, Quenneville was brought up -- and in this case even approached — for Islanders consideration way back in 2008. But he stayed in his advisory role in Chicago, where he likely knew he was just a few losses away from taking over the bench of a team on the rise.</p>
<h4 id="rQCSCA">Dave Tippett</h4>
<p id="3GSCgh">Again, a guy who can do the defense. He parted ways with the <a href="https://www.fiveforhowling.com/">Coyotes</a> after a long association and is said to be waiting for the ideal opportunity. Is it on Long Island?</p>
<h4 id="BdiW5n">Darryl Sutter</h4>
<p id="iuVHCS">Hard to see this happening, as Sutter has previously enjoyed life in Alberta or, at minimum, the chance to at least coach a contender in the same time zone.</p>
<p id="8GWFLZ">Lou previously did have Darryl’s brother (and former Islanders player) Brent as his head coach in New Jersey once upon a time...</p>
<h3 id="iiQSpx">[Updated] Not Old But Not New</h3>
<p id="DdPHIw">I debated whether to include these two in the original post and, with the dust settled I’ve decided it’s being too cute to exclude them:</p>
<h4 id="TWagqA">Dan Bylsma</h4>
<p id="zpRz62">His reputation really plummeted after the peak of his first year in which he won the Cup with the Penguins, and his attempt to help the Sabres reclamation project fizzled. That’s probably being unfair — the Penguins lacked an adequate bottom six for much of his time there, and the Sabres have continued to be terrible — though and he’s still a name that’s thrown out there for coach openings.</p>
<h4 id="c8ePyW">Alain Vigneault</h4>
<p id="sardy3">As much as Islanders fans complained about Jack Capuano and (later) Doug Weight, Rangers fans complained about very similar flaws with Vigneault. Personally, I think he’s a better coach than that, but his flaws are real — and familiar — too. Can overlook good young players, can go to the well too long on bad defensive pairings, etc. You’ve heard these issues before.</p>
<p id="uXLcN1">Still, maybe he’s learned something after reflection, and perhaps he’s the kind of guy Lamoriello is looking for.</p>
<p id="7loRld">Stay tuned. Lou moves fast.</p>
https://www.lighthousehockey.com/2018/6/5/17430704/doug-weight-fired-islanders-coach-candidatesDominik