NHL Legend Patrick Roy Named Islanders HC After Lane Lambert Firing

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It’s a new era on Long Island.

The New York Islanders announced Saturday that head coach Lane Lambert had been “relieved of his coaching responsibilities” and that the franchise had named Hall of Famer Patrick Roy as the new head coach.

The Islanders are currently 19-15-11 and sit in sixth place in the Metropolitan Division. Lambert was in his second season as the team’s head coach and finished with an overall record of 61-46-20.

Roy is considered to be one of the best goaltenders of all time. He played 19 seasons in the NHL, winning 551 games, five William M. Jennings Trophies, three Vezina Trophies and four Stanley Cups with two franchises.

His experience in hockey doesn’t just come from his excellence on the ice as he notably served as the head coach and vice president of hockey operations for the Colorado Avalanche from 2013-14 to 2015-16, compiling 130-92-24 overall record and leading the Avalanche to a playoff appearance. He also has had two stints as a head coach within the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Roy provides experience and expertise and will take over a team that has been successful in recent seasons. The Islanders have reached the playoffs in four of the past five seasons while contending in the competitive Metropolitan Division. The highlight of this stretch was the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019-20.

The Islanders currently sit six points outside the final Eastern Conference Wild Card spot and will need a spark in order to qualify for the postseason. It looks like the Islanders believe Roy can provide that spark, especially with the All-Star break fast approaching.