Three Reasons For New York Islanders Optimism In 2018-19
The 2018-19 NHL New York Islanders Season is HERE! This past summer a ton of issues were resolved. Issues such as an under-performing GM & Coaching staff. The team also said goodbye to Captain John Tavares. We are tuning the page on the old news!
Now… lets take a look at reasons for New York Islanders optimism for the 2018-19 NHL season.
#1 Lou Lamioreillo
You simply need to trust the new New York Islanders leadership. We know of his history with the Devils and the recent work he has done in Toronto. The guy is a proven winner! He has a proven track record in the NHL and while coaching baseball in the Cape Cod league, he discovered talent like Bobby valentine. As athletic director of the University of Providence he was the one who brought coach Rick Pitino back into the college ranks. Regardless of the sport he knows leadership and talent.
This past off-season, Lamioreillo injected the team with a bunch of grinders like the resigning of Matt Martin. The team did not bring a shining start to replace a John Tavares but given his track record… we are optimistic he a few hidden gems up his sleeve.
#2 Barry Trotz
We know that it was only the pre-season but the team looks well COACHED! This team has not looked coached since Ted Nolan ran the bench. Specifically, we were very impressed with the way the defensive position has played. The defensive units look different. So does the Power Play.
Coach Trotz just won a Stanley Cup. He’s coming off of six consecutive playoff appearances. All of these things are intangibles that the Islanders haven’t seen in ages. Now his has moved on from the Washington Capitals to improve the New York Islanders. As a result of taking the Islanders job, coach Trotz brought almost all of his support staff from Washington with him. He brought a legendary goaltending coach and a proven Power Play system. Big optimistic check mark with coach Trotz manning the ship.
#3 Mathew Barzal
Just an exciting player. With John Tavares gone Mathew Barzal has an opportunity to shine. Last year Barzal averaged a point per game. This year he will have a full season playing with Anthony Beauvillier. Butch Goring feels that Beauvillier can notch 30 goals this year. Combined the offensive productivity of Barzal with a more structured defensive unit gives reason for optimism.