Lou Lamoriello Must Be the True Mastermind Behind the New York Islanders Success This Upcoming Season

The Plus and Minus Sides of Lou Lamoriello as New York Islanders GM

PLUS

Lamoriello has one of the most impressive track records in league history. He’s won Cups, turned teams around, drafted, and developed Hall of Famers. There’s very little he’s been able to accomplish throughout his extensive career.

But in Long Island, ultimate success has been elusive. Lamoriello has been unable to lead the Isles over the proverbial playoff hump and win a championship.

It’s worth pointing out that the lack of a Cup doesn’t mean Lamoriello’s tenure has been a bust. It’s a signal that winning championships in professional sports is often a matter of patience. Nevertheless, his influence on the team has been evident.

Lamoriello joined the Islanders in May 2018. His arrival followed a disappointing 6th place finish in the Metro Division and the second year in a row the team missed the playoffs. The next season, the Isles quickly turned things around, finishing second in the division. That postseason, the Isles fell in the second round, capping a successful turnaround season.

The following two seasons saw the Isles fall to the eventual champion Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final. Those successful runs were marked by the old-school style that Lamoriello and former head coach Barry Trotz espoused.

The club had built a team focused on a strong defensive core, solid goaltending, and timely offense. The Isles didn’t outscore anybody, but they certainly outworked opponents. Most importantly, Lamoriello was able to weather the storm that ensued following John Tavares’ departure.

But Tavares’ escape from The Island offered the team an opportunity to rally. It also allowed the emergence of players like Mathew Barzal to step up, while paving the way for Ilya Sorokin to become a true number-one netminder.

Fast forward to 2024, and the Isles are clearly a reflection of Lamoriello’s commitment to strong, fundamentally sound hockey. While critics may question the lack of star power on the team, they often overlook the fact that the New York Islanders are built to navigate the toughest waters in the NHL.