Confirmed with Link: Lane Lambert Named Head Coach

[MJF]

I love how you people scoff at winning playoff rounds and at the slightest sign of adversity, you want to tear it down. Taking comfort in lotto loser land and dreaming about better days ahead is not having high expectations. It's the opposite actually.

In a league where half the teams make the playoffs, I think being ok with middle of the pack and winning a round is very, well....

.

 

[Zeeker]

I love how you people scoff at winning playoff rounds and at the slightest sign of adversity, you want to tear it down.

Is it the slightest sign of adversity, or ~200ish games of mid play? There is a large book of evidence behind some people’s wishes, not just being flip floppy after the latest loss.

When you talk about winning one round as a significant accomplishment, and laud the team for their 0-2-2 stretch against decent teams, well, that’s where those lowered expectations come into play after a couple years of actual playoff success.

The bar has been lowered.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

He has given the skill players the license to create, to max out their talent. I don't know if we are better as a team, but you let your talent shine, hopefully the results will bear it out.

 

[Rehabguy]

He has given the skill players the license to create, to max out their talent. I don't know if we are better as a team, but you let your talent shine, hopefully the results will bear it out.

Word!

 

[Doshell Propivo]

In a league where half the teams make the playoffs, I think being ok with middle of the pack and winning a round is very, well....View attachment 801397.

I think we have to define what "being ok with" is. I am a hockey fan first and an Islander fan second. I love watching playoff hockey especially when the Isles are in it. It's not that winning only one round is the be all and end all. But to experience at least two playoff rounds is pretty cool. Yeah 1/2 the teams make the playoffs but only 4 out of 32 make it past the 2nd round.

I don't think that being middle of the pack is mission accomplished by any means. And I am well aware of the warts on this team. (Though I am surprised that we've done a 180 and have gone from a defensive team that struggles to score to an offensive team that struggles on D.) I have realistic expectations for this current team. They should make the playoffs. And maybe go on another run. That would be great. The alternative is to blow it up and suck for years and years. I'm not ready to subscribe to that. When we're rebuilding and have no chance at making the playoffs, I tune out.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Is it the slightest sign of adversity, or ~200ish games of mid play? There is a large book of evidence behind some people’s wishes, not just being flip floppy after the latest loss.

When you talk about winning one round as a significant accomplishment, and laud the team for their 0-2-2 stretch against decent teams, well, that’s where those lowered expectations come into play after a couple years of actual playoff success.

The bar has been lowered.

The team is not an elite, top-5, bona fide cup contender. We knew that last year and the year before that and we know that now. Some new additions (Romanov, Horvat) and emergence of young guys (Holmstrom Dobson) have been exciting. Yet when you read this board during a winning streak, it's all about "going all in." But as soon as we lose a couple, we must tear it down. That's what I was referring to.

Also, winning one round IS an accomplishment. Especially for a team that hasn't won one in 3 years. Now, if you're a team like the Bruins or something and hypothetically trade for a rental and only win one round, yeah that would be very disappointing. It would be a different accomplishment for a team like the Isles. Now should management and the coaching staff be SATISFIED with that? Should the strategy be to build a team that wins one round and that's it? Of course not. But you play the hand you're dealt. And getting to the playoffs and winning playoff games IS important. I'm sure ownership would agree. Would you rather have a winning regular season, beat the Rangers in round one and then lose a tight series in round 2 (retool and come back hungrier next year) or simply miss out on the playoffs and hope for the fuuuuuture?

You keep talking about "the bar" as if my sitting on the coach and enjoying one series win has any impact whatsoever on the team winning a cup. My "bar" for the record, is a stanley cup. But that will not prevent me from enjoying the the good times from the journey there. Sorry if that upsets you.

Lastly, there was no 0-2-2 "stretch" nor did I "laud" the team for it. YOU cherry picked 4 games against top teams going back to October. I simply brought up the fact (after being told the top teams expose the Isles) that recently against COL, TOR and BOS (2-1-2) they've looked pretty good.

 

[MJF]

When we're rebuilding and have no chance at making the playoffs, I tune out.

That’s where we differ. I never tune out.

What may be the best course for building towards a championship may cause you to tune out.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

That’s where we differ. I never tune out.

What may be the best course for building towards a championship may cause you to tune out.

I still keep tabs on the team but to watch most games when we're below .500 and have zero chance at the playoffs? Nah.

I think where we also differ is that keeping a competitive, playoff team (albeit with limited upside) intact somehow hinders our ability to build a championship team. I'd rather be a playoff team for another few seasons, enjoy some playoff runs and then take our lumps in a rebuild. It would be a waste to throw that all away in hopes that once you build it back up, you will have a better team then you have now. In fact, I'd argue that our odds of winning a cup with this core, are better than the odds of a team rebuilt from scratch winning one in 5-8 years.

 

[Strummergas]

I still keep tabs on the team but to watch most games when we're below .500 and have zero chance at the playoffs? Nah.

I think where we also differ is that keeping a competitive, playoff team (albeit with limited upside) intact somehow hinders our ability to build a championship team. I'd rather be a playoff team for another few seasons, enjoy some playoff runs and then take our lumps in a rebuild. It would be a waste to throw that all away in hopes that once you build it back up, you will have a better team then you have now. In fact, I'd argue that our odds of winning a cup with this core, are better than the odds of a team rebuilt from scratch winning one in 5-8 years.

I'm with you on this. I see room for improvement of this roster through attrition over the next couple of years. That is, assuming that none of our pending UFAs are re-signed.

 

[doublechili]

Re: the "win a round or two at most" talk, is there any team in the East that we can say we'd definitely lose to in a 7 game playoff series if we're healthy?

If not "definitely", then what? "Almost certainly"? "Most likely"? "Probably"? "Maybe"?

And then, at what point do you say let's just ride it out and see what happens?

 

[Doshell Propivo]

Re: the "win a round or two at most" talk, is there any team in the East that we can say we'd definitely lose to in a 7 game playoff series if we're healthy?

If not "definitely", then what? "Almost certainly"? "Most likely"? "Probably"? "Maybe"?

And then, at what point do you say let's just ride it out and see what happens?

Thank you. As if winning two rounds is no biggie and something that teams do regularly.

Anything can happen in any playoff series. We see it every year.

 

[PWJunior]

I have refrained from bashing Lambert and wanting him fired, I've had enough. He needs to go. His personnel decisions are just as bad as Capuano and the whole team has gotten dumber under his watch. Last night's final 2 minutes was astoundingly disturbing on so many levels. Lambert kept putting our biggest dumbasses out there to preserve a tie, inexplicable. Then proceeds to throw them under the bus in the post game when he was the one who deployed them.

He has turned me against Matt Martin, I can't even look at him right now after last night's stupidity. To elicit that type of response at a fan favorite tells me everything I need to know. Lambert is not the right coach.

 

[Rehabguy]

I have refrained from bashing Lambert and wanting him fired, I've had enough. He needs to go. His personnel decisions are just as bad as Capuano and the whole team has gotten dumber under his watch. Last night's final 2 minutes was astoundingly disturbing on so many levels. Lambert kept putting our biggest dumbasses out there to preserve a tie, inexplicable. Then proceeds to throw them under the bus in the post game when he was the one who deployed them.

He has turned me against Matt Martin, I can't even look at him right now after last night's stupidity. To elicit that type of response at a fan favorite tells me everything I need to know. Lambert is not the right coach.

It was a tough loss to swallow. Other than while on the PP the team reverted a bit back towards Trotz style hockey of playing not to lose. That might have been the only strategy given the matchup but I would have liked to see more of our D joining the rush 5 on 5. This was exactly how we lost previous playoff series. Keeping it close, giving the other team too many chances and losing by basically one goal.

Martin had a bad game but shit happens. We all have bad days. I don’t know if Gauthier is injured or not but it was like the Isles needed one extra gear to open things up. He should always be in the line up but he’s got to play for 60 minutes not just one shift here and one shift there. That is what keeps him out of the lineup I think. I would like him to replace Fasching place right now. Fasching a good player but not as much a difference maker compared to last year.

 

[Potvottier]

As with all newbies, we need to allot them a time to adjust. It's just common sense. I give the same allowance to coaches.
TBH, I've heard nothing but good things about Lambert, from people in the business.

Lambert (I didn't see the last presser) would be a good coach for a young team, where they can grow together. We have a team of vets that are on their last legs and we need an experienced coach. I am just not sure that this is the right time. If we get a new coach in and we go into a five game slump, we are pretty well done.

 

[MJF]

As with all newbies, we need to allot them a time to adjust. It's just common sense. I give the same allowance to coaches.
TBH, I've heard nothing but good things about Lambert, from people in the business.

Lambert (I didn't see the last presser) would be a good coach for a young team, where they can grow together. We have a team of vets that are on their last legs and we need an experienced coach. I am just not sure that this is the right time. If we get a new coach in and we go into a five game slump, we are pretty well done.

They said the same things about Capuano. Still nobody is breaking down his door to offer him a head coaching job.

Some guys are better assistants than head coaches.

 

[Throttle]

Thank you. As if winning two rounds is no biggie and something that teams do regularly.

Anything can happen in any playoff series. We see it every year.

Sure it is! In the past 4 seasons, only Vegas, Dallas, TB, and the Isles. In the past 5, add Carolina to that mix.

One hit wonders STL and COL went deep once, and haven’t been seen there again.

So, the Isles, Dallas, and Carolina are the only three teams to go deep 2x and not win it.

The big bad Bruins, yeah, nope. Gong shows on ice in Toronto and EDm, nope. They Rangers, nope.

And I’ll say 2 of those 5, will be there again this playoffs.

 

[Rehabguy]

Sure it is! In the past 4 seasons, only Vegas, Dallas, TB, and the Isles. In the past 5, add Carolina to that mix.

One hit wonders STL and COL went deep once, and haven’t been seen there again.

So, the Isles, Dallas, and Carolina are the only three teams to go deep 2x and not win it.

The big bad Bruins, yeah, nope. Gong shows on ice in Toronto and EDm, nope. They Rangers, nope.

And I’ll say 2 of those 5, will be there again this playoffs.

I'm sorry I don't buy this. While it is true winning a Cup is never a guarantee you can absolutely improve your odds if you play the game with a proven approach. As Leeroggy has correctly pointed out in pasts posts, other than the one year Trotz's conservative system won a Cup with arguably the greatest goal scorer in the history of the game on his team, his teams were always achieving only so much before they failed.

You might say- well don't all try hard and most fail. Well yes, but not in such a way that is so painfully predictable and always pretty much exactly in the same manner. In the Isles case they were always low scoring games, late game losses, turtling to protect a lead. We've seen this now for 3 playoff runs and many times throughout the year- especially THIS year.

Vegas, Tampa Bay, Colorado, and St. Louis all won the Cup in the 4 seasons you mention and they still relevant teams hardly falling off the face of the earth. That's where we want to be.

So I don't buy just the fact we made it somewhat far in the playoffs for a couple of years under Trotz/Lambert as proof the Islanders were going in the right direction. They were not. They were playing like "pushers". Pushers absolutely advance- and some can advance pretty far, but they always only get so far until they meet a player or team that easily beat that system simply with skill. In the playoffs as you go up the ladder you inevitably start meeting teams with skill and if your play is based on a system that has major flaws, you are going to get beat by your own system.

If the Wild announcers are right, Lambert reverted back to Trotz system the past 4 games. The change was noticeable. What did Lambert call it yesterday? "Playing hockey the right way?" Is there a "right way" to play hockey. What more proof do we need? You either win or lose. Sure for most the games they looked defensively responsible, but we had no offense to speak of and if they did score those 1 or 2 goals they turtled as they are coached to do and lost the game. The players played with no energy, no enthusiasm since Lambert reintroduced Trotz system because they don't believe in this system anymore. I wouldn't either not after you could see how dominant they could be if they continued along that path using creativity and skill. They might just be signaling that they no more faith Lambert regardless of what they say to the media.

The problem with this team is not the team players. I believe this is a good playoff caliber line-up. They have the skill to beat other good teams but instead of relying on skill they waste it on a system that's too conservative. All the problems lay in the coaching. It's sad because offensive wise they looked like they were headed in the right direction. He couldn't figure out how to balance the offense with the defense, so Lambert's job is now on the line.

 

[MarsTBOW]

DARN IT!!!!
Every time I See this Thread Bumped I think it's gonna say "Lambert Fired"!
Then I read what's here and get depressed....

 

[saintunspecified]

One of the reasons I tend not to say anything about coaches:

I just got back from coaching seminar with several elite NCAA lacrosse coaches. Some of their approaches were radically different. The most inspiring spent a couple of hours telling us how he coaches his players in large part by allowing them to play variations of 3v3 or 4v4 pickup games. Another had practices planned with intentional drills in a minute by minute basis. It was something.

Back in the Capuano days, I thought he got way more criticism than he deserved because people didn't like his postgame answers when I thought the biggest issue was that the goaltending sucked. We never found out whether I was right or wrong, because Trotz came with LL, and the goaltending no longer sucked. (Of course Trotz is a better coach, but LL even with his flaws never exposed his teams with massive deficits in areas as egregiously as Snow.)

Right now is the issue the coach or the talent? I dunno, but imo it doesn't animate me, because I think both should change a lot between now and next season.

 

[The Real JT]

Damn you everyone that posts on this thread getting my hopes up about a coaching change.

Apologies to @MarsTBOW . Just saw you posted the same thing. Can we both be right?

 

[Doshell Propivo]

They said the same things about Capuano. Still nobody is breaking down his door to offer him a head coaching job.

Some guys are better assistants than head coaches.

Many people here also said the same thing about Rick Bowness.

 

[MattMartin]

Coaching is simple yet difficult. All the greats have 1 major thing in common, believe in me. The other thing is how to treat a team as individuals not just a group of players. It seems simple, really hard to find these guys though. Even though I thought Barry's system was boring, you could tell players would run through a wall for him. I have nothing but respect for the guy.

 

[Tres Peleches]

f*** Lou and f*** Lame

 

[JohnTonelliRises]

One of the reasons I tend not to say anything about coaches:

I just got back from coaching seminar with several elite NCAA lacrosse coaches. Some of their approaches were radically different. The most inspiring spent a couple of hours telling us how he coaches his players in large part by allowing them to play variations of 3v3 or 4v4 pickup games. Another had practices planned with intentional drills in a minute by minute basis. It was something.

Back in the Capuano days, I thought he got way more criticism than he deserved because people didn't like his postgame answers when I thought the biggest issue was that the goaltending sucked. We never found out whether I was right or wrong, because Trotz came with LL, and the goaltending no longer sucked. (Of course Trotz is a better coach, but LL even with his flaws never exposed his teams with massive deficits in areas as egregiously as Snow.)

Right now is the issue the coach or the talent? I dunno, but imo it doesn't animate me, because I think both should change a lot between now and next season.

It's a mixture of both. Aging parts on the team that need to change as well as some flaws behind the bench.

I think everyone has some culpability to share here.

I'm critical of hiring Lambert as the HC, but I don't fault him one bit for taking the role. To me, this falls more on Lou than anyone else (who I think has some really great ideas for the team, but is not flawless either).

I'd still take this team and front office any day of the week compared to what we used to have.

 

[leeroggy]

One of the reasons I tend not to say anything about coaches:

I just got back from coaching seminar with several elite NCAA lacrosse coaches. Some of their approaches were radically different. The most inspiring spent a couple of hours telling us how he coaches his players in large part by allowing them to play variations of 3v3 or 4v4 pickup games. Another had practices planned with intentional drills in a minute by minute basis. It was something.

I would guess Tillman was the minute by minute and Gait or Warne was the 3x3, etc.

I assume this is one of the 3 events that replaced LaxCon?