Is There Tension Between New York Islanders Head Coach Patrick Roy and GM Lou Lamoriello?

[@frogger1952]

Engvall had 13 shifts. His stat line is no goals no assists no points no shots on goal, no takeaways, one giveaway and one hit. That's quite an impact. Our entire first line had a total of two shots on goal and no points. I was at both games last week. The Sat. attendance was announced as 15,800 which is a lie. The building looked exactly the same as earlier in the week when the attendance was announced at 12,500. What's very concerning is that the section in the upper deck at the end of the arena where the opponent shoots twice was only half filled. That's the section that has the most hard-core fans that lead the chants for the rest of the building.

[@thormanism]

No hockey smarts😮

[@thormanism]

Where r Bob Bourne and M Micheal Grabber when u need them

[@stevevolk2881]

Lou forcing Roy to play his soft ass to save face.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

No doubt the building was closer to 12,000 than 15000 fans on Saturday. Engvall isn't physical enough to determined enough to play in the bottom six and not productive enough to be in the top six. Lou should have started to make trades after they missed the playoffs three years ago and certainly after a first round exit in each of the last two seasons. Instead, he keeps doubling down on this roster as it ages and has guys with terrible contracts so the team remains in the muddy middle. Thanks for the comment, frogger1952. LGI

[@frogger1952]

@@LockedOnIslanders Ugh, the muddy middle. Exactly right.

[@mergspvy]

Not an Islanders fan, but most of Lamoriello's moves don't seem to make sense. Reminds me of the Rangers and Sather.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I agree with you mergspvy. They only seem to make sense to him. Even fellow NHL front office execs don't follow his plan or logic. Thanks for the comment.

[@pyrielrising4338]

So recent events in management seem to be coming to a head. If Patrick Roy was a hire specifically by Scott Malkin and not Lamoriello then perhaps there is a plan at work here. It now seems more likely that Malkin hired Roy to force Lamoriello to change his handling of the roster, through the draft, through free agency, and Lou being as intransient as he has always been is giving Malkin the opportunity to announce that the franchise is going to move in a new direction without actually firing Lamoriello. That way Lamoriello steps down and Malkin doesn't look like a villian, similar to what happened to Trotz.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

If only that would be the outcome, pyrielrising4338. I hope it happens but I'll believe it when I see it. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@mercywilliams2698]

Interesting. Waiting for the next narrative to unfold..

[@kenduffy5397]

Oh, they should have played Sorokin, he’s in a heater and he’s playing excellent hockey!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Sorokin goes tonight. Varly needs to be better, hope he is tomorrow. Thank for the comment, Ken. LGI.

[@patriciabeecher72]

The product on the Ice,says there probably is some tension.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

No doubt, Patricia. Thanks for the comment, LGI.

[@RayCharound]

im all for the tension. if the on-ice product is going to be extremely lackluster, let's get some drama

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Be careful what you wish for...lol. Thanks for the comment, Ray. LGI

[@danieloblinger6648]

I have to side with the coach on this one. It should be the coach telling the GM what player he wants on the ice, not the other way around. That may sound odd, but the coach is at practice everyday and sees where the players need to be and what players he needs out there to get them to win.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I agree Danielobligner6648. Most of the time, the GM and coach are on the same page. Here, it appears they aren't. As I said on the show, the coach is like the chef and the GM shops for the ingredients the chef wants to cook his meal. Right now, the GM doesn't seem to be getting the ingredients the chef wants. Thanks for the comment. LGI.

[@Another_User_Name_]

Still scratching my head about Martin getting a contract. Engvall being called up is also a surprise considering he only had 1 goal in Bridgeport. Just because you have the cap space doesn't mean you bring up a player to fill that cap space, especially if he's not producing at the AHL level. I don't mind the Fasching call up because he can fill a role on the 4th line, in my opinion, better than Wahlstrom or Engvall.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Martin was to add toughness, but I doubt he plays more than 25 games all year. Engvall makes little sense. He doesn't score enough to be top 6 and isn't physical enough to play bottom 6. Fasching can fit in on the 4th line. Thanks for the comment, Another_User_Name_. LGI

[@tonypalumbo898]

Good morning team! Gil, so frustrating. Down 3 - zip to the Islanders, and the Panthers seemed as though they had no doubt they would still win this game, and of course, they did. I was very optimistic being up 3-0 in the first period, but the stat sheet doesn't lie. Too many Islander players, aimlessly skating around, and seemingly looks like they don't have a clue. Disappointing on how our top line played. Time to regroup the troops and get out of the funk we have dug ourselves into. It's now or never, and there's no time like the present. Everyone, have a great day! See you all tomorrow. Until then.. Let's Go Islanders!!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

This has to be a wake up call but will it be? The intensity and desire to play a full 60 minute game seems to be lacking. Thanks for the comment, Tony. Hope we see better. LGI

[@frankiecastro4525]

Hi Gil! I’ll be honest-if we lose Roy because of Louless I think that would be it for me. This spell that Louless has over the owners is unreal. I mean these recent moves are crazy. Engvall is a dunce cap player. He simply sucks and is just another Louless head scratcher to bring him back up. Matty? I love Matty but you mean to tell me there isn’t a young, tough and mean AHL’er out there that would run thru a wall for you--if given Matty’s contract. Ya think he won’t be able to do what Matty does and be as as effective at this stage of Matty’s career? Even for enforcing, why 🤬🤬🤬 do we have to keep getting older? Gil--I’ve never in all my years of watching hockey--I’ve never seen a player abuse and rough up a goalie the way that guy did-insult to injury score and wack him again--I’ve never seen it without a fight or a serious talk. That was futile character and embarrassing!! This Gm must go-he’s embarrassing! All this crap about respect etc that’s fine, he’s earned it. However, no other Gm would have made the moves he’s made and retain the gig. Gil we will have major $$$ after this year. Sorry, can’t give Dobber 9/10 million-just can’t!!! This year? Geez get sone sandpaper at least? Get the kid in San Jose, Kostin. Show some pride man!! Where is the “Islander Pride” I grew up with? Man don’t allow anyone to touch your netminder like that!! It’s like allowing someone to insult your wife!! Can this damn team grow a pair Gil? Take care

[@LockedOnIslanders]

It was terrible not seeing anybody respond to the hit on Varly. And remember, Martin was in the lineup. Lou should be gone. He should have been gone 3 years ago when they missed the playoffs and certainly two years ago after a first round exit. Last year would have also made sense. The fact that he won't trade away any of "his guys" on bad contracts to free up cap space is mind numbing. We thought Roy had influence when Engvall was sent down but no such luck, it was a cap move only and Lou probably hated to do it. Thanks for the comment, Frankie. I hope we see Islander pride restored soon. LGI.

[@bobhenry6159]

One thing seems clear. Engvall has no plans to change his game. Earlier in the year he made a couple of defiant comments about playing HIS game and knowing what he brings.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

If that's the case, Roy won't have much use for him. He's not physical enough or consistently hustling enough to be on the bottom six and he doesn't add enough offense to be in the top six. That doesn't leave much. Thanks for the comment, Bob. LGI.

[@Jameson-h8e]

At this point Patrick Roy should be the General Manager

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I agree, Jameson-h8e, but ownership stands by Lou. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@Jameson-h8e]

@@LockedOnIslanders why lou?

[@ShaFnZAM]

I was there on Saturday night. 11-12 thousand. Nowhere near 15k. Its time for Ledecky and Malkin to put on their big boy pants and relieve Lou of his duties. The fans arent showing up because the team is the same nonsense every year. If it was young and exciting people would show up. Hell, if they were just a different roster of guys that gave it their all every shift for 60 minutes, win or lose, they would show up. Enough is enough.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Agree 100 percent ShaFnZAM. You need to give fans hope. Bringing back the same mediocre, aging roster isn't going to do that. Hustle and effort go a long way to NY sports fans. Indifference and going through the motions doesn't cut it. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@cynthiastines8918]

Good 🌄, Gil, how are you? Lou Lamoriello's making some moves that aren't sitting well with Patrick Roy, and there may be some tension. Anthony DuClair's on LTIR. There's a communication problem. Attendance is taking a hit due to ticket sales and a lot of other things, and the Islanders don't help with their mediocre to poor playing. They won in Jersey in OT, but they got clawed up by the 🐈, and they blew the lead in the 2nd period, and tp add insult to injury, they gave up 6 goals. HAPPY 🎂, JUDE DROUIN. He became an Islander in 1975. Great career. While the playing the KC Scouts (now the NJ 😈), he tore them up. Before I go, I was 👀 Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals between The Islanders and The Flyers. It was on 5/13/1975, the Flyers eliminated them ending their Cinderella season. 5 years to the day, they're playing again, and if the Islanders were nervous as 🐈, they hid it well, and won, too thanks to The Captain. Hear from you later, Gil. and LET'S GO ISLANDERS.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Cindy, you always bring back great memories from the dynasty years or the years leading up to them. Hope we see good hockey like that again on a consistent basis and that the mess we see now improves. Thanks for the comment. LGI.

[@cynthiastines8918]

@LockedOnIslanders You're welcome, Gil, and you're so right. Hear from you tomorrow.

[@kenduffy5397]

I didn’t have a problem with the moves. I would have liked to have seen Liam Foudy on the top line with all that natural speed he has. However, if that back of his hockey card is true? He can’t hit the broadside of a barn. But sometimes the light💡comes on later in a player's career. He was drafted 18th overall. (That doesn’t mean much) just another 1st round bust, but it was his speed that made him a 1st rounder, so I would have liked to have seen the three fastest guys on the team playing on the same line together, oh well. I’m sure you read my comment that I left on your opening monologue lol lol (I’m kidding) you know I think your show/podcast is awesome! Peace ✡️✝️

[@LockedOnIslanders]

The moves are typical Lou. Don't know what alternatives they have. Foudy and Gauthier are kind of similar players. Speedy former first liners who haven't produced consistently. They are the only alternatives. Thanks for the comment and I always look forward to hearing from you. LGI.

[@alexyaybar]

In the preseason roy and lou worked together in putting the team and together and getting rid of marin and engvall and fasching This to me doesnt appear to be a disagreement in player personnel or philosophy per se but rather lou making moves behind roys back which is his right as gm However i believe that was the reason why roy did not speak to the media Almost as id roy was saying lou you made this call now you defend this With attendance now we may be fast approaching a situation where ownership has to pick between lou and roy Something tells me lou doesnt win this time

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I hope if there's a choice to be made, it's Roy over Lou, but I'll believe it when I see it. Thanks for the comment, alexyaybar. LGI.

[@GM-ri4ww]

Arranging deck chairs on the Titanic, I will say it again, time for a complete rebuild, first move should be Lou out the door

[@mercywilliams2698]

✅

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Should be, should have happened already but ownership stands by Lou. More empty seats may be the only way to change their minds. Thanks for the comment,

[@geminizoe777]

Lou needs to go. He's more worried about control & hair not putting together a Cup winning team.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

It's tough to watch him slowly snuff the life out of the franchise. I agree with you. Thanks for the comment, geminizoe777. LGI

[@geminizoe777]

@@LockedOnIslanders Was at the Blues/Isles games a few weeks ago and Roy seems to be simmering with bottled up rage. Seems like he's on a short wick but trying to stay calm/professional. Idk, if it's geared toward the players mistakes or something more.

[@Danfromoverthere]

I knew this was going to happen. Two huge egos in one room. One delusional and one not

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I won't ask which is which, Danfromoverthere. It was certainly a possibility. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@Danfromoverthere]

@ lol!!

[@Duke_N_Duke]

Hey Gil as a member of the media do you have the rights or permission to play clips from interviews or highlights from games ? I know it is a lot of work to put that all together from a technical standpoint but just a suggestion. Thanks for doing these podcasts!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

It's a tricky situation with the rights. I'll get clarification as to what exactly I can include. Highlights and play by play I know I cannot but post game interviews are a maybe. Thanks for the comment, Duke_N_Duke. LGI

[@Gandaulf1961]

Wouldnt be surprised that Trotz left because he couldnt deal with lous crap as well. I wouldnt blame Roy resigns if it comes to that. This team wont progress until Lou is dismissed

[@LockedOnIslanders]

It would be a huge mistake for the team to keep Lou at the expense of Roy. That being said, it wouldn't shock me at all to see it happen. Thanks for the comment, Gandaulf1961. LGI

[@kaiyoung5458]

It probably is some tension how couldn’t it be when your seeing the same old story get leads blow leads

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Blown leads are a big problem. Thanks for the comment, Kai. I hope they resolve the tension. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@davidseanmacdonald1470]

The answer to what's the teams identity is obvious. Blown Leads, bottom 5 PP, Last in PK, Bottom of Prospect pool, ZERO cap space. It's all bad.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Yeah, certainly not what you want to be known for. Thanks for the comment, David. LGI

[@raymondhenry5379]

Lamarillo !!!! He did this, and it’s going to take years to fix, the General manager needs to get everything out of the good players on the team even it’s on a trade, Fire Sale, Right now, tank the season and move on, thanks Gil !!!!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Raymond, it's definitely one way to go. The team has maxed out the talent on this roster and Lou keeps doubling down to keep them in the muddy middle. Veterans with bad contracts need to be moved and the team needs to get younger, faster and more skilled. That won't happen with Lou. Thanks for the comment, Raymond. LGI.

[@thormanism]

This is ridiculous. What the heck is going on Bring up half of Bridgeport except Envgal

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Lou is gonna Lou. I don't get it either. Thanks for the comment, thormanism. LGI

[@mercywilliams2698]

NHL fan at large here.. I tend to think comments here reflect a smarter fanbase here…than management decisions rendered.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I think you're right, Mercy. Thanks for the comment and we'll see how this plays out.

[@judys9083]

Lou must go!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I think it's time, judys9083. Most people do, but not ownership for some reason. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@jimerrigo7142]

Gil a couple of seasons the islanders lost 10 or 11 games in a row. The owners never addressed that. i find it insulting that these owners think as a fan we will continue to tolerate a team that has become the doormat of the NHL. Memo to owners: because of your lack of concern it may be time to sell the team. Who puts a 82 year old GM who clearly has seen better days decades ago. This guy Lou is living in the past.....I am glad to see fans are now pissed off enough to stop going to the games. .Hey Lou if you are not going to bring up some kids ( Maggio, DuFour ) give these kids a chance to play on a real hockey team, trade them, you are good at that, You mean to tell me Martin is better than any of the kids I mentioned, Martin will get you a goal once a month, pathetic

[@Deuce_Allan]

The idea with MM i believe is to take away some of the Isles softness and getting steamrolled. Also seams to be the teachers pet

[@raymondhenry5379]

@@jimerrigo7142 Jim I’ve been a fan for 58 years and it’s sickening that the owners are more concerned with their little village on the Cross Island parkway than the Team

[@LockedOnIslanders]

The team isn't awful, but they are aging, stuck in the muddy middle and don't have any prospects on the horizon to take over. Some of these veterans on bad contracts need to be moved. Cap space needs to be freed up and the team needs to get younger, faster and more skilled. Lou won't do that. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

He'll be lucky to play 25 games this year unless other players get hurt. Thanks for the comment, Deuce. LGI.

[@jimerrigo7142]

ty Gil

[@mercywilliams2698]

A tough sell from my perspective..this GM with this iconic HOF goalie presence as Head Coach. Each is tough and competitive in their own way..not sure about the middle ground: the players.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I wonder if there is a clash of egos here. We'll see how this plays out. Thanks for the comment, Mercy. LGI

[@HeidiAunins-bx9uy]

Patrick Roy needs to have input of which players should be on the team He is the coach and has experience as a GM! Lou is old fashioned and his refusal to accept that his choices over the past 5 years has made this team WORSE!

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Everyone seems to see it, HeidiAunins-bx9uy, except for Lou and the owners who keep him in his position. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@coldbloodedclowns6797]

I question Roys decision against the Panthers to pull the goalie with 3 mins left. In a 2 goal game, you have a PP, and you pull your goalie??? Get one goal first!! You are still in at with 3 mins left down by 2 but 3 goals?? Its not like we have a solid PP, an open net is a guaranteed goal IMO horrible decision

[@LockedOnIslanders]

A lot of people don't like when he pulls the goalie so early and I get it regarding the PP. Lots of issues with this team and that is certainly one. Thanks for the comment, coldbloodedclowns6797. LGI

[@25yrsotj]

I knew Martin was getting a contract and for 2 reasons, 1 to try and keep it a clean game and make sure no one was taking liberties and 2, leadership. Since the isles don't have anyone to be the cop on the ice, Martin was the obvious choice. As for Engvall, I've got nothing !

[@robertmarschall3169]

@@25yrsotj that’s exactly what the mayor did against Florida NOTHING, after varly was getting manhandled.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Also got nothing on Engvall. Doesn't score enough to be top 6 and isn't physical enough or consistent enough with his effort to be bottom six. Martin I get. Thanks for the comment, 25yrsotj. LGI.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Yeah, I was surprised by that. Thanks for the comment, Robert. LGI

[@JamesWalsh-pg1pn]

Lou picking lineup now is hilarious why doesn’t he just coach team too lol

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Don't give him any idea, James. LOL. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@thormanism]

Those answers that Roy said in my opinion is he is pissed off and being a puppet for Lou. This marriage may end in Divorce. Hopefully Lou is gone😠

[@LockedOnIslanders]

The fear is that Lou will stay and Roy will go. Thanks for the comment, thormanism. LGI.

[@HeidiAunins-bx9uy]

Lou needs to gracefully step down and accept that his past and present decisions have mot been positive for the team and organization and fan base!

[@foleydvm]

i hope lou finally goes..i can't imagine owners give even LOU FOUR couches in five years..before realizing GM is the problem

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I agree, foleydvm, yet here we are. Hope ownership wakes up. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@Bigislanderfan]

It is time for Lou to go. He has set this team back 10 years. Engval is a soft player who is not a factor in most games.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I don't get it either. Engvall isn't worth $3 million per year. He doesn't score enough to be top 6 and isn't physical enough or consistent enough to be bottom 6. Thanks for the comment, Bigislanderfan. LGI.

[@chrisweber759]

So lou fires trots, hires lane, fires lane, hires roy, doesn’t get along with roy. How many coaches is he allowed to hire, fire, and not get along with? Not even a full year ago he hired roy and swore up and down this was the guy we need, I don’t wanna hear his garbage now

[@LockedOnIslanders]

There is one constant in all these problems. Just saying. Thanks for the comment, Chris. LGI.

[@mikeybombers2529]

Lou needs to go

[@LockedOnIslanders]

It's past time, mikeybombers2529. Thanks for the comment. LGI

[@ivandainard7164]

I honestly think the beer league team I play on could win against the islanders. Ha ha ha

[@LockedOnIslanders]

After how many kegs? LOL. Thanks for the comment, ivandainard7164. LGI

[@robertmarschall3169]

Gil, just another typical senile Lou move. I would argue engvall,Martin, and fasching are all ahl players at this time. Calls up engvall who had one point in six games? I would much rather see wahlstrom and foudy. We all love the mayor but he shouldn’t have been resigned three years ago. Haven’t seen clutter on the last couple of telecasts u want to bet he’s the next one back. lol

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Clutter was better last year than Martin although Martin was playing through injuries. Engvall makes no sense. Fasching can be 12th, 13th or 14th forward and a 4th line guy but no more. They still need to eliminate some vets on bad contracts and free up cap space to improve. Lou won't do it and we're stuck in the muddy middle. Thanks for the comment, Robert.

[@bobhenry6159]

Lou's next moves: Buy out Engvall and sign Clutterbuck, forcing Roy to play a defensive style. Is Lou's old friend Tommy Albelin running the penalty kill or is it Benoit Desrosiers? Who is in charge of the pathetic PP? The whole thing is a depressing mess. It's like watching Alzheimer's progress and nobody notices.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Albelin is in charge of the PK, as far as we've been told. Signing Clutter would be a Lou move but I doubt he'd buy out Engvall, even though he probably should. Thanks for the comments, Bob. Spot on. LGI.

[@drydenhenry2555]

Lou needs to go yesterday. Martin signing terrible...he is too old. He is so slow. Enfail contract is just that a Failure! Varly looks terrible this year, another old player. Our Power Play coach John MacLain is untouched (can't be fired) because he won a Cup with Lou in New Jersey thousands of years ago. Cancelled my ESPN+, can't take it anymore.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

It's frustrating drydenhenry2555. This team needs lots of help and the GM won't make changes. Thanks for the comment and LGI.

[@chrisnelson3046]

Lou time to retire

[@LockedOnIslanders]

Past time, chrisnelson3046. Thanks for the comment. LGI

[@chrisnelson3046]

@LockedOnIslanders thank you for the reply.I listen daily

[@barriem5318]

There is tension with fans because attendance is dropping. As a season ticket holder for last 3 seasons im tense too and I'm getting out. Many of my tickets for this season are already on sale. I was at the detroit game Tuesday when Isles lost 1-0 and played like they wished they were somewhere else. I was at the Saturday game when they sh!t the bed. The biggest problem for years with Isles is that the team wont play hard for 60 min. The team is no better under Roy. Lou wants to fix the obvious gaping wound with bandaids. He's destroying the team. Im an isles fan for life but im not driving and spending thousands for this sh!t show. I have 2 AHL teams with a shorter drive. I'll drive to see my RPI Engineers play hockey in ECAC. I recorded this as I walked out halfway thru 3rd on Saturday: kzbin.infoPjeAGWrkHUw?si=bwJebkzSkRf3mNyZ

[@LockedOnIslanders]

I totally get it barriem5318. The team need to make a change and ownership seems to be the only people that don't get it. Thanks for the comment. LGI

[@josephzummo9685]

Blah blah blah blah it all adds up to another embarrassing season from an embarrassing franchise. I don't disagree with martin, because i'm not going to have somebody try and kill one of my defensemen, and nobody out there worthed their weight to protect them. I mean it's a joke. Nobody in the universe thinks the Islanders are worth squat, not even the islanders! Honestly, i'm beginning not to even care anymore.

[@LockedOnIslanders]

It's difficult to deal with the way this team is put together and the lack of cap space available to improve them. Any GM worth their salt would have traded at least one of the players on a bad contract to free up cap space. Thanks for the comment, Joseph. LGI.