Two more coaches fired in New York

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Joshua Deeds
June 9, 2022 (9:26 PM)

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In a move solidifying a course correction, after firing Barry Trotz and hiring assistant Lane Lamber as Head Coach, the New York Islanders have moved on from Jim Hiller and John Gruden.

Lou Lamoriello is apparently cleaning house of the Trotz influence, as Hiller and Gruden were a part of the staff that made two semifinal runs in the Stanley Cup Playoffs the last two years.

Gruden and Hiller were hired in 2018 and 2019, Gruden was hired by Trotz upon arrival in Long Island and Hiller the year after.

According to Lamoriello, it sounds like the locker room needs a new voice:

«Maybe it wasn't the right phrase I should've used [a new voice] but it's the right position that Lane is in and it's a big new voice,» Lamoriello said. «These are two totally different personalities between Barry and Lane.»

During the 2021-2022 year, the Islanders missed the playoffs for the first time, since Trotz arrived and landed in fifth place. In the last two seasons, they lost to the Stanley Cup Champs both times in a cruel twist of fate it seems.

The Islanders certainly could've faired worse, given the pause to their season with Covid and Trotz being sidelined with the sickness as well.