'Whatever expectations there were, there were really none one way or another.'
NEW YORK — Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz say they didn’t know exactly what to expect from theThere were plenty of questions after the Islanders gave up 293 goals — the most in the NHL since 2006-07 — while missing the playoffs for the eighth time in 11 years. There was uncertainty on offence when star centre John Tavares left in free agency for his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.
Both Lamoriello and Trotz say they knew they were going to give up fewer goals with a better defensive approach. Trotz was hired as coach in June, days after he led Washington to its first Stanley Cup championship and then abruptly resigned in a contract dispute. The hiring was celebrated by the Islanders’ rabid fan base, which has seen just one post-season series win since 1993 — a far cry from the glory days of winning four championships in a row.
A big question in the off-seasoncentred on goaltending after Robin Lehner was signed to pair with Thomas Greiss. Lehner was with Buffalo the previous season and left a game down the stretch because of a panic attack and was subsequently treated for alcohol and drug addiction and also diagnosed with bipolar disorder, ADHD and PTSD. He talked openly about his personal life when he joined the Islanders, and credited the organization and his new teammates with giving him support.
"We play as a team," Trotz said. "I think everybody has given up a part of themselves to be a part of something greater."
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