Barry Trotz + Lou Lamoriello + UBS Arena = A Bright Future
The New York Islanders are in a perfect position. With Barry Trotz manning the bench, Lou Lamoriello calling the shots and a new ownership group building a new arena, UBS Arena at Belmont Park, the future could not be more bright.
But it has not always been this way. Everything about the existence of the Islanders is a paradox.
Yes… But
Yes, the Islanders won four Stanley Cups and are the greatest Dynasty in sports history. But they had a steep decline, quickly losing star after star and falling into decades of mediocrity.
Yes, the Islanders have tasted success in the distant past, most notably in 1993 on an Eastern Conference Final run. But in the first round, Dale Hunter committed one of the cheapest plays in NHL history, leaving Pierre Turgeon with a separated shoulder and all Islanders Stanley Cup hopes lost.
Yes, Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin are two of the best owners in hockey. But before them, John Spano fraudulently purchased the franchise in 1996 even though he did not have the assets needed to buy the team.
Yes, Lou Lamoriello is one of the most respected general managers in hockey. But he comes after years of Mike Milbury and Garth Snow, two men that brought far too many negative memories during their time on Long Island.
Yes, Barry Trotz is perhaps the best coach in the National Hockey League (NHL). But, 15 coaches came between him and Al Arbour, all of whom had unsuccessful tenures with the team.
Yes, UBS Arena at Belmont Park is on the way. But this comes after a monumental scare in which the Islanders could have been bound for Kansas City or Quebec, only to be bailed out with an unsuccessful move to Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Be Thankful For Barry Trotz, Lou Lamoriello and The Islanders
So, when you find yourself complaining about the Islanders needing a scoring winger or having no salary cap space, take a pause.
With Barry Trotz, Lane Lambert, Mitch Korn, Piero Greco, Lou Lamoriello, Jon Ledecky and Scott Malkin leading this franchise, there are good times ahead.
The New York Islanders are a franchise defined by failure after a legendary dynasty, and finally, they are returning to prominence. On and off the ice, this team is one of the most respected in the NHL, something the Islanders faithful should be very proud of.
A moment of pain is worth a lifetime of glory. The Islanders have been through all the pain and then some. Now, it is time for the glory.
