New York Islanders: 5 People Responsible For Playoff Berth

By Matt O'Leary

Mar 31, 2019

UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: The New York Islanders celebrate a 5-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres at NYCB Live's Nassau Coliseum on March 30, 2019 in Uniondale, New York. With the win, the Islanders qualify for the league playoffs. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

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BUFFALO, NY – JUNE 25: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello attends the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25, 2016 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Lou Lamoriello

Similar to Barry Trotz, I figured it would be a while before we saw the effects of Lou Lamoriello. In year one, he has this team in the playoffs, well above anyone’s expectations, and they’re still in the mix for the Division lead.

Even if you want to get on the Leo Komarov contract, finding Robin Lehner for virtually nothing negates that one glaring negative.

In addition to hiring Barry Trotz, and finding Robin Lehner, Lou had a phenomenal draft in this past draft class. He decided to hold on to his picks instead of trading for someone and landed Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson.

That too helped lead the Isles to the playoffs this year, if they trade for a goalie no way does Robin Lehner come and have the impact on this team that he’s had. While Trotz gets all the love for the day to day with the team, Lou was instrumental in laying the foundation (even if his number policy and facial hair rule are stupid).