In a surprising move, the New York Islanders have decided to part ways with Lane Lambert, announcing the hiring of Patrick Roy as their new head coach. The decision comes as the Islanders have struggled to find consistency this season while battling for a playoff spot.

Currently, the Islanders are just two points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the final wild-card spot in the crowded Eastern Conference. However, they have endured a rough patch, losing four straight games, making it the longest active losing streak in the NHL. In their past 10 games, the Islanders have managed only two wins, highlighting the need for a change in leadership.

Patrick Roy's appointment brings a seasoned and accomplished coach back to the NHL bench. Prior to this role, Roy last coached the Colorado Avalanche for three seasons, leading them to the playoffs in his inaugural year and winning the Jack Adams Award. While he missed the postseason in his last two campaigns with the team, Roy's coaching prowess has been evident throughout his career.

Before joining the Islanders, Roy had been coaching the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL since the 2018-19 season, where he experienced considerable success. The Remparts made the playoffs in four of the five seasons under his leadership, culminating in a stellar 53-win season last year. They secured their sixth QMJHL title and captured the Memorial Cup for the third time in franchise history.

With Roy taking the reins as head coach, the Islanders are optimistic about their chances of securing another consecutive playoff berth. However, they face multiple challenges, particularly in their defensive game. According to Natural Stat Trick's metrics, the Islanders currently allow the second-most shot attempts per 60, the third-most scoring chances per 60, and the third-most high-danger scoring chances per 60 in the league.

The decision to part ways with Lambert comes as the team faced mounting losses and struggled to gain ground in the wild-card race. The Islanders' minus-21 goal differential underscores their defensive weaknesses. Despite Lambert's previous successes with the team, questions surrounding his future became amplified after a recent 4-3 overtime loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, a team near the bottom of the standings.

Players within the team have taken responsibility for their performance, acknowledging that execution and on-ice performance ultimately falls on their shoulders. Matt Martin, an Islanders forward, emphasized that while coaches can provide strategies and game plans, the players need to step up and deliver the results.

Patrick Roy's first game behind the Islanders' bench could potentially occur on Sunday when they face off against the Dallas Stars at UBS Arena. With his wealth of coaching experience and success, the Islanders hope that Roy can guide them to success in the remaining games of the season and secure a spot in the playoffs.