Islanders' coaching change signals attempt to salvage season

The New York Islanders’ dismissal of former goalie coach Piero Greco signals a clear attempt to salvage the season before it slips away. The move, naturally, corresponds with the struggles of starting netminder Ilya Sorokin.

Since the Islanders can’t give up on their franchise goalie, something had to give. That something was Greco. Sports clubs are run just like corporations. Typically, high-level executives fire mid-level managers to light a fire under teams.

The rationale lies in the following: It’s easier to replace one person than the entire team. In some instances, highly talented, productive employees stagnate when their managers just don’t jive with them anymore. That situation often necessitates a switch that could push the reset button for employees.

Such was the case with Greco. Now, the club has promoted Sergei Naumovs to be the Islanders’ “Sorokin whisperer.” Sorokin and Naumovs have a longstanding relationship that promises to boost Sorokin’s overall level of play.

That’s a crucial issue as the Islanders have seemingly turned things around following a tough 0-3 start. The Isles are now 3-3 and riding a three-game winning streak. Getting back into the thick of the Metro Division playoff race seems within grasp. The New York Rangers are struggling, while Pittsburgh and Washington have had their ups and downs.

So, a solid streak could lead to the Islanders climbing back up the standings. But that will depend on Sorokin playing well. That’s why it was much easier to make the coaching change now than to find another goalie.

Islanders dispelling Sorokin trade rumors with coaching change

One pervasive trade rumor is that Ilya Sorokin to the Edmonton Oilers. This rumor has been more of an online conspiracy theory than an actual, solid one. The rationale is that the Oilers, as Stanley Cup contenders, need a bona fide starting goalie.

Meanwhile, the Islanders are not even a playoff team. So, the Isles could cut their losses and cash in on Sorokin while his value is still high.

I won’t even address this rumor, as it’s just wrong on so many levels. But I will say this. The coaching change points toward the Islanders delineating that Sorokin is their guy. If the thought of trading Sorokin was even remotely possible, why bring in Sergei Naumovs?

Moreover, why make the coaching change now? Wouldn’t it be better to dangle Sorokin like a carrot in front of the Oilers or the Carolina Hurricanes, for that matter, and try to get the best possible offer for him?

Wednesday’s move is all about building a strong franchise. Whether the Islanders make the playoffs or not this season, bringing in Sergei Naumovs now is about keeping the team competitive for the foreseeable future.