We are Back!!

This title has a double meaning as this is the first post here in over 9 years, so we are back posting again.  On top of that though, our New York Islanders are back as well.  

What I mean by that is for the last several years the Islanders have been spinning the wheels of perpetual mediocrity under GM & President of Hockey Ops Lou Lamoriello.  However, that all changed on April 22nd, just a few weeks after the regular season ended when the Islanders announced Lamoriello would not be returning in his positions.  After an extensive search, the Islanders landed on Tampa Bay Lightning executive Mathieu Darche to replace Lamoriello.

The biggest change in the organization since Darche took over is that it now feels like it has a direction.  For the last few years under Lamoriello the team seemed rudderless just content spinning in place.  That is not the case anymore, Darche has a clear plan and has been executing it very well since taking over.  The type of players he has brought in align well with the system Patrick Roy wants to implement which we learned was a bone of contention last season between Roy & Lamoriello.  

Another big change was the appearance of #1 overall pick Matthew Schaffer on the Spittin Chiclets podcast last week on Youtube.  Under Lamoriello, players were not allowed to make appearances like that.  This appearance further showed Schaffers personality and his quick witted nature creating a bigger connection to fans.  

Now I am not saying I expect the Islanders to contend for the Stanley Cup next year.  That is unrealistic!  However, for the first time in a while there is a light at the end of the tunnel, we know where management wants to go and how they intend on getting there.  If early returns on Darches tenure are any indication, we should have a fun entertaining team to watch next season.