The Devils won cups because of the trap. Those cup Devils weren’t overly talented in so far as elite. They had a lot of 1B as I call it, much like the isles. It was boring, and they’d have 1-0 wins, but they won cups.
Trotz’ system worked here. One could argue the team digressed by losing Tavares, yet they saw the most success since 1993. It was the system that got them there. Without that trap the isles lose leads in the third. That’s not my opinion, that’s what we saw under Capuano and now again with Lame
- kindlyrick

The goal is winning a Cup and not just to be competitive or get to the ECF. 1B forwards work when you have a hall of fame goalie and two dmen and other very good dmen. I’m fine with a new coach for the Islanders. Just do not expect a new coach to fix everything.

It was Jimmy. Devils still had better talent than most thought that had. You can use the Caps and Barry then.
- ses111

What the devils had was elite goaltending with an elite first pair D. Their offense was rife with middle 6ers, safe for Elias who coulda fit on any teams first line.

I think the defense overall has regressed. It’s not one single player or a few players. I think the teams style of play is not suited for the assets they have. The proof was in the pudding with 2 ECF appearances with Trotz’ trap. Boring or not, it held leads and it won games.
- kindlyrick

They're also another year older and another year slower. Not implying they wouldn't be much better under Trotz, but I'm not sure they'd be playing an ECF-level brand of hockey either

The goal is winning a Cup and not just to be competitive or get to the ECF. 1B forwards work when you have a hall of fame goalie and two dmen and other very good dmen. I’m fine with a new coach for the Islanders. Just do not expect a new coach to fix everything.
- ses111

The only point in referencing the ECF is now to point out how far the isles got, but rather the teams systems and their respective success (or lack therof). The fact is they blew third period leads under Capuano and now Lambert. They didn’t under Trotz. The glaring conclusion is the differing systems. One put emphasis on team D. But, that didn’t benefit players contracts which I believe is why the players “revolted” against Trotz.

What the devils had was elite goaltending with an elite first pair D. Their offense was rife with middle 6ers, safe for Elias who coulda fit on any teams first line.
- kindlyrick

The Devils had more than Elias. They had players like Andreychuk, Gilmore, and Johnny Mac to name a few.

They're also another year older and another year slower. Not implying they wouldn't be much better under Trotz, but I'm not sure they'd be playing an ECF-level brand of hockey either
- eichiefs9

We can rightly embrace the ECF trips under Barry and also acknowledge the challenges before and after the ECF's with Barry.

The Devils had more than Elias. They had players like Andreychuk, Gilmore, and Johnny Mac to name a few.
- ses111

I don’t believe Gilmore hoisted a cup with the Devils. Regardless the devil cup teams were known for their boring trap style. They won 1-0, and 2-1 games. They were hard hat teams with a roster of Bill Guerins

I don’t believe Gilmore hoisted a cup with the Devils. Regardless the devil cup teams were known for their boring trap style. They won 1-0, and 2-1 games. They were hard hat teams with a roster of Bill Guerins
- kindlyrick

You can do a lot worse than Bill Guerin. I still think the Devils would be a very solid team without the trap. I'm not sure if they played the same trap during their last Cup? Lou was much better in terms of getting Devils talent as well.

They're also another year older and another year slower. Not implying they wouldn't be much better under Trotz, but I'm not sure they'd be playing an ECF-level brand of hockey either
- eichiefs9

It’s obviously more nuanced than just another year older and slower. The system isn’t working. It’s not a one time occurrence and it’s the same issue they had under Capuano. The obvious difference is systems.

You can do a lot worse than Bill Guerin. I still think the Devils would be a very solid team without the trap. I'm not sure if they played the same trap during their last Cup?
- ses111

Love Billy G but he’s a middle sixer (except when he was on the isles). Devils won all cups with that trap which gave HOF brodeur less shots.

Love Billy G but he’s a middle sixer (except when he was on the isles). Devils won all cups with that trap which gave HOF brodeur less shots.
- kindlyrick

To be fair, Brodeur was a number #1 pick and highly thought of before the Trap.

It’s obviously more nuanced than just another year older and slower. The system isn’t working. It’s not a one time occurrence and it’s the same issue they had under Capuano. The obvious difference is systems.
- kindlyrick

Not implying age is the only reason or even a main reason. Just saying that this team has had little change and continues to trot out the same team year after year.

To be fair, Brodeur was a number #1 pick and highly thought of before the Trap.
- ses111

Comparing anything to those Devils teams is pointless. Completely different league then. christ, the two line pass was still around the last time the Devils won the Cup.

Not implying age is the only reason or even a main reason. Just saying that this team has had little change and continues to trot out the same team year after year.
- eichiefs9

Seems so hard for some to admit. It’s more than coaching.

Comparing anything to those Devils teams is pointless. Completely different league then. christ, the two line pass was still around the last time the Devils won the Cup.
- eichiefs9

This is true. My only point is the Devils did not just have 4th and 3rd line type players.

Not implying age is the only reason or even a main reason. Just saying that this team has had little change and continues to trot out the same team year after year.
- eichiefs9

Agreed and the only difference has been team system which is implored by coaches. Two of the three blew third period leads. The common denominator is team structure. It ain’t workin obviously

Seems so hard for some to admit. It’s more than coaching.
- ses111

I'm pretty much sure most here think it's more than coaching.

I'm pretty much sure most here think it's more than coaching.
- JimmyP

I agree. Some just want to focus on coaching though.

Seems so hard for some to admit. It’s more than coaching.
- ses111

The obvious answer is the assets put forth. They’re simply not that good. It’s not solely based on coaching, but they had a roster that was 80-85% similar and had some success.

This is true. My only point is the Devils did not just have 4th and 3rd line type players.
- ses111

Household cup winning devil forwards were Pandolfo, Zajac, Guerin, Elias, Holik, Lemiuex, Chorske, Rolston, Brylin, and Maclean. Elias is the only elite 1A talent listed. Those Devil teams won by clutching, grabbing, trapping etc. They won 1-0, and 2-1 games. It was a team of middle 6ers mostly with great D and HOF goaltending.

So…not fired yet?

So…not fired yet?
- potvin05

He answered questions after practice today, so nope...not yet anyway

Barzal puff piece:

https://nypost.com/2023/1...ers-elite-islanders-form/

He answered questions after practice today, so nope...not yet anyway


- eichiefs9

First round draft pick in deflection. Talking about the positivity in getting pts in games where you’ve blown 3rd period leads is gaslighting 101. That logic won’t age well during the remaining ten games when every point matters, and they’re now at 11 3rd period collapses. That’s a lot of missed/lost pts.

First round draft pick in deflection. Talking about the positivity in getting pts in games where you’ve blown 3rd period leads is gaslighting 101. That logic won’t age well during the remaining ten games when every point matters, and they’re now at 11 3rd period collapses. That’s a lot of missed/lost pts.
- kindlyrick

I thought at least Houda should have been replaced this past offseason.