On Tuesday night, Hall of Famer Lou Lamoriello broke Glen Sather’s record for the most playoff games as general manager at 325. It should be Lamoriello’s last game as the Islanders’ GM. Here’s why.
Before continuing, let me say that this topic is difficult for me to address. I respect Lou Lamoriello for his achievements in hockey with the Devils and Islanders. When you think of integrity, Lamoriello illustrates the word. That said, the Islanders should part ways with their president of hockey operations … and call it a retirement if they choose.
The NHL is a business, and the answer to this question carries weight: “What have you done for me lately?” Lamoriello’s results haven’t been good in that regard, with a nonplayoff season and two straight first-round exits against these Hurricanes. During his time, Lamoriello has had three different coaches since the UBS Arena opened–Barry Trotz, Lane Lambert, and Patrick Roy–and now the team is in serious need of a rebuild.
Yes, the Islanders played hard against the Canes. They showed heart in winning Game 4 in double overtime, returning to tie three at three after trailing 3-1 and 2-0 in Game 5. But that can only take a team so far. Winning games boils down to talent. The Hurricanes had plenty of that, the Islanders didn’t, and Lamoriello hasn’t found enough players to compete in today’s fast-and-furious hockey.
Lamoriello’s style involves winning hockey games through defense and goaltending. That worked in the 1990s, but the game has changed. Today’s hockey is about skill and speed, and the Hurricanes had the advantage over the Islanders this year and last because of it.
Lamoriello is either stubborn or unable to adapt. Either way, he’s no longer the right guy to oversee today’s hockey and a rebuilding project, especially when there’s nothing in the farm system, and the team is in “salary cap hell.” The Islanders need a hockey guy who understands today’s game, which means developing a succession plan for Lamoriello’s replacement.
What about Patrick Roy? He would be the right type of guy to replace Lamoriello. Roy understands today’s game and has experience. Remember, he built the Quebec Remparts championship team in the QMJHL and helped Joe Sakic build the Colorado Avalanche into a Stanley Cup championship team.
Lamoriello should announce his retirement. He did a good job rebuilding credibility by making UBS Arena possible and returning the franchise to winning ways. Bottom line: Lamoriello served his purpose.
Listen, I understand hockey is Lamoriello’s life, and he enjoys the job, but this is about the future. To get there, Lamoriello and the organization need a clean break. That’s the only way the Islanders can move forward to better days.
