Earlier today, it was announced that the Islanders fired head coach Patrick Roy and hired long time NHL coach Peter DeBoer as his replacement.
According to reports, long standing issues including the power play and poor defensive structure not being resolved were instrumental in Roy's dismissal. Coming into this year, not much was expected from the Islanders so they definitely exceeded expectations. However, in recent weeks their performances were more indicative of a team that just didn't want to play anymore. In instances like this it will always fall on the head coach. It was a little surprising to see them make the change now but I like the aggressiveness by the organization to make sure they got "their" guy, rather then waiting for the offseason and hoping for the best.
Roy had 2 seasons left on his contract at the time of dismissal, according to reports.
In DeBoer, the Islanders definitely get what they are looking for, he will drastically improve defensive structure which at times has been amateur hour level bad this season. Also, DeBoer does have a history of taking his teams on deep playoff runs doing so with the Devils, Sharks and Vegas. According to Andy Strickland, DeBoer is signed for the rest of this season and 4 more seasons.
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