Islanders hire longtime Trotz assistant Lambert as coach

By STEPHEN WHYNO
AP Hockey Writer

The New York Islanders have hired longtime Barry Trotz assistant and right-hand man Lane Lambert to succeed him as coach. It’s Lambert’s first head coaching job in the NHL. Trotz was fired last week after the Islanders missed the playoffs for the first time in his four seasons behind the bench. Lambert has worked on Trotz’s staff the past 11 years with Nashville, Washington and New York. He has a Stanley Cup ring from the Capitals’ run in 2018. Lambert says he received Trotz’s blessing to take the job. Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello felt Lambert fit the bill after witnessing him in an acting role as coach in January.