NY Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello maintains confidence in roster despite poor results

New York Islanders General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Lou Lamoriello is a man of conviction. He doesn't use extra words, he doesn't sound wishy washy, he doesn't waver.

For those reasons, it was no surprise when he told the media that he still had "full confidence" in his team, which currently sits last in the Metropolitan Division. Lamoriello has always believed that if you have time, you should use it, and this season is no different. The Islanders are still in playoff contention due to the mediocrity or parity in the Eastern Conference despite being on a pace of less than 80 points. Brock Nelson and Kylie Palmieri are pending UFAs, but Lamoriello shot down the idea that he's considering moving either while the team can be in "contention."

“First of all, it’s not even a thought in my mind right now,” Lamoriello said on potential trading either forward, according to beat reporter Andrew Gross in Newsday. “Where we are in the season and where we are in the standings where everything is in reach, that’s the focus. The focus is on who we are here right now and not hypothetically, if this, if that. I’m just not from that school.

Meanwhile, head coach Patrick Roy shared Lamoriello's assessment of the team and continued talking about how he likes how they've played recently despite the results not being there. Earlier in the week, he spoke about the importance of getting on a streak and the Islanders having a chance to make it two in a row with a win in Vegas against the Golden Knights on Thursday night.

For a streak to happen, they have to become much more consistent from game-to-game and within games. "I think what Lou wants is consistency from our group, and he does believe in this group," said Roy. "I agree with him. We're lucky to have him around and I'm learning a lot from Lou. I think he's been very helpful in what we're trying to do."