They were pronounced dead before the season started. With John Tavares out the door, the New York Islanders didn’t stand a chance in the 2018-19 season. No one factored the impact that Barry Trotz might have on the team.
With a strong defensive system and every single player buying into what Barry was preaching, the Islanders picked up 103 points on the season. Missing out on first place in the Metropolitan Division by a single point.
That turnaround earned Barry Trotz a ton of praise on Long Island and around the NHL. That praise has culminated in a nod for his second Jack Adams Trophy.