New York Islanders: EWB Roundtable – Is Trotz the Coach of the Year?
By Ed Stein
John Carroll Jr., Site Expert, Empire Writes Back
The thing about this question that I like a lot is that it reflects on the NHL season so well. If you had asked me this question two weeks ago I would say it was a no-brainer that Barry Trotz should win the Jack Adams award. You look at what he has done with a downgraded roster from an already terrible team last season and could see how much of an impact he has had. But, sometimes the sample size does not outweigh the overall picture of it all.
More from Empire Writes Back
- Caesars New York Promo Code: Win $250 Bonus GUARANTEED on ANY Bet!
- Last Chance Caesars Promo: Claim $1,250 Bonus for ANY MLB Bet!
- Caesars New York Promo Code Gives TWO Chances to Win Betting on Your Yankees!
- PointsBet New York Promo: FIVE $100 Bonus Bets to Back the Yankees or Mets!
- Caesars NY Promo: $1,250 Bonus to Celebrate the Return of Judge!
I think over the course of the season, other coaches have emerged. You can look at Jon Cooper and the Lightning for example. He might have talent that is sky high, but he is winning with it. The Lightning are a talented team living up to that hype, that is great coaching.
Another thing you could look at is Rick Tocchet, head coach of the Coyotes. Two weeks ago this is not a debate. They have been a great story all season, but now they are comfortably in the playoffs with arguably less talent than the Islanders. How could you not look at him and think he does not deserve the trophy?
Right now, I would give the award to Trotz. We are seeing what he has done and he might be the only coach who wins a playoff series with a less than an ideal roster.
But really I only say that with my bias showing. I don’t know who will win. There are a lot of candidates. It is no longer Trotz running away with it, we know what he is. I wouldn’t be too upset with a new, younger coach winning it either because Trotz might not even peak until the playoffs. Don’t sleep on Rod Brind’amour of the Hurricanes either, he is a great coach.
My point is, many coaches are peaking at the right time. If it comes down to large sample size, give me Trotz. But if it comes down to simply end results, coaches like the others I mentioned have arguably done more with less or done more with more, but this isn’t about the Lightning.
Next. Isles still have a chance to accomplish extraordinary regular season feat. dark
What do you think? Let us know on social media.