New York Islanders Barry Trotz Legitimate Competition for Jack Adams

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UNIONDALE, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 01: Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders handles bench duties against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on December 01, 2018 in Uniondale, New York. The Islanders were playing in their first regular season game since April of 2015 when the team moved their home games to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The Islanders defeated the Blue Jackets 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

With the New York Islanders all but guaranteed to make the playoffs and fighting for home ice advantage and even the division lead, head coach Barry Trotz is a clear Jack Adams favorite. What other coach can seriously challenge him for the NHL top coach honors?

Barry Trotz is an easy favorite for the NHL’s Jack Adams trophy. The New York Islanders coach has done a remarkable job at getting this team to punch above its weight considering the talent level on the roster.

With a strategy that relies heavily on team defense, creating high-danger chances over medium or low chances, and working as a cohesive unit, the New York Islanders find themselves fighting for home ice advantage come the playoffs. That wasn’t the prediction back in September.

The Islanders were written off before a puck was even dropped on the season. To be fair, nothing the Islanders did in the off-season signaled they’de be where they are now. From losing John Tavares to acquiring Valtteri Filppula, Leo Komarov, and Tom Kuhnhackl during free agency. None of it filled anyone anywhere with any sort of confidence for the 2018-19 season. And rightfully so.

But Barry Trotz reminded us all why he was so highly coveted by the Islanders and why he’s a Stanley Cup Champion and former Jack Adams winner. Through 73 games the Islanders have 91 points. Two points behind the Metropolitan Division leaders Washington Capitals. The guy just knows what he’s doing.

Its why he deserves the Jack Adams trophy for the league’s top coach this season. As fans from other teams will point out, Trotz isn’t the only bench boss to be doing a great job and warrant the Jack Adams trophy. So what other coach presents a legitimate challenge to Barry Trotz winning his second Jack Adams trophy?