New York Islanders Pros Cons For Next Coach

Jan 26, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders goalie Thomas Greiss (1) looks into the stands during a stoppage in play against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Pro: Solid Goaltending

Just like Sergei Bobrovsky before him, Jake Allen needs to take some responsibility for Ken Hitchcock’s dismissal. Coaching changes are often facilitated thanks to underperforming goaltenders.

In Bobrovsky’s case, it was a terrible start to the 2015-16 season that got then-Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Todd Richards fired. In his first five starts that season the former Vezina Trophy winner put up a .830 SV% and a 4.6 GAA.

The same goes for Ken Hitchcock and Jake Allen. Allen was given the reigns of the St Louis crease when Bryan Elliot was traded to the Calgary Flames during the draft last season.

Allen responded with a .895 SV% and a 2.86 GAA. Even worse for Allen is his -15.18 goals saved above average and his 10 RBS (real bad starts).

Coming to the New York Islanders, any new coach would have Thomas Greiss at their disposal. The recent recipient of a three-year $10 million contract extension has a fantastic .928 SV% and 2.24 GAA. He’s also a +12.89 in goals saved above average and has but three “really bad starts”.

Knowing there’s a solid presence between the pipes is appealing to any coach looking at a new gig. Because for every coach fired for poor goaltending is another coach loaded when getting outstanding goaltending.