The New York Islanders have promoted assistant coach Lane Lambert to the head coach position. News of the move was made early on Monday afternoon. Lambert takes over for Barry Trotz, who was fired last week.
#Isles News: The New York Islanders announced today that Lane Lambert has been named Head Coach.
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) May 16, 2022
Lane Lambert Becomes Islanders Coach
Lambert has been a longtime assistant with Trotz and he’ll get his first crack at calling the shots on a full-time basis. He’s been with Trotz on his previous stops with the Nashville Predators, Washington Capitals and the Islanders. The Melfort, Saskatchewan native played in 300 NHL regular-season and playoff games in the 1980s. He also played many more years in the minors and across Europe.
Lambert ran the Islanders for a spell this season while Trotz was dealing with a family situation. The former Saskatoon Blades standout has been coaching at the junior and AHL levels for many seasons. Lambert does seem to have the blessing of his old boss, Trotz.
“I talked to Barry last week early on after he had received the news, and he told me that he was hoping that I would get the job,” Lambert said to the media. “And then I just spoke to him not too long ago and he used the words that he was ‘thrilled.'”
What it Means
One wonders where it all went wrong for Trotz and General Manager Lou Lamoriello. They’re both strong personalities, but the Islanders became a much better defensive team under Trotz. New York made the last four two seasons in a row before the 2021-22 campaign went off the rails.
However, last season was filled with injuries and having reshuffle the lineup and schedule due to COVID-19. Trotz is a good coach and will have no problem finding the job he wants this coming season.
Lamoriello said Lambert brings a new voice and he may just do that. However, there’s still going to be some continuity from the previous regime.
