Funny enough, the most recent time Barry Trotz had been in the Coliseum for a playoff game, it was in 2015 with his Capitals winning and seemingly putting Islanders hockey at this building to sleep for good.
Strange how things work out.
On Saturday night back on Hempstead Turnpike, with the Islanders having been welcomed back as a part-time tenant, Trotz coached the Islanders to a 5-1 win over the Sabres that clinched a playoff berth for his new team in a building that he has grown to love as his own.
“It’s got a great vibe, and I’m glad in the playoffs we’ll play games here,” Trotz said.