New York Islanders: Islanders win because of Barry Trotz and for Barry Trotz

As I write this article, the New York Islanders are in first place in the division and it almost all because of Barry Trotz. In a season full of Trotz having his players back, the win that got them the division was the Isles having his.

The New York Islanders are having a fairy tale season and it is no coincidence that it is the first year Barry Trotz is their coach.

The Islanders are 28-15-4 on the season and it is in large part to the way Trotz coached and the people he has brought in.

The Islanders have been the best team in hockey since the calendar turned into 2019. With all the wins they have been racking up, there was one win that I truly wanted.

Two points that mean more than any other two points.

That was game that the Islanders won on Friday night in Washington DC. The Isles already lost to the Capitals this season at home, but Trotz’s homecoming was different.

All the stars were aligning too. The Isles needed a win, and a Blue Jackets loss to be in first place after the hockey game.

As fate would have it, the Islanders are now in first place.

Normally, a game for first place in the division this late in the season would be the only thing that matter. It would be the only storyline that means anything.

However, even with first place on the line, this game was bigger because it was Trotz’s return to the city he brought their first ever Stanley Cup to.

As the MSG Broadcast pointed out, things ended well with Trotz in DC. More times than not, legendary coaches have bitter endings with the teams they brought glory too.

However, Trotz and the Capitals parted ways with both on top. Trotz wanted his well deserved pay-day and the challenge that was going to be coaching this team.

Also, as more starts are aligning for the Islanders, it was the only job available this offseason.

Barry Trotz has done a fantastic job with this team in the sense that he gets the best out of every player.

Robin Lehner is having a career year, leading the NHL in GAA.

Thomas Greiss is playing well too, he has two shutouts and a winning record.

The correlation there is Trotz’s goalies coach, Mitch Korn.

But also, Mat Barzal has arrived on the scene as a star. He will be playing in San Jose in the All-Star game.

Then, you have eight players who have 10 goals or more. That is almost three full lines of players who have double-digit goals this year.

The team’s defense is incredible too as they have a +23 goal differential.

The point is, Trotz has his players backs. He works with the talent he was given and has thrived.

So, Friday night, it was a nice change of pace to see that the Islanders players had his back.

Although, Trotz likely didn’t have any spiteful feelings, it was a game that the Islanders should have wanted to win for him, it was all about him.

After a touching video tribute from the Capitals thanking Trotz, the hockey went on.

The first two periods saw both teams go scoreless until the Islanders broke through twice in the 3rd period, blanking the Caps in the win.

It just felt encouraging to see that the Islanders are a legit team. Barry Trotz has their backs, getting the most out of them and the players have his back winning his homecoming and proving what that meant to them.

The Islanders and their coach seem to have a great relationship and solid chemistry, it is reflecting by incredible results on the ice.