The singular focus for Barry Trotz is Thursday night’s game against the Blackhawks at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum. The Islanders coach’s resume is certainly in Hall of Fame company but that’s not something the unassuming Trotz has ever considered
“Me?” Trotz told Newsday. “Oh, no. No. No. I just keep trying to win a game. That’s why it feels awkward a lot of times when you’re passing some of these legendary guys. I’ve had longevity in the game but, no. I just think about the day to day stuff. I just grind it out.”
The Islanders did not practice on Tuesday, a day after Trotz, 56, in his 20th season as an NHL coach and first with the Islanders, earned his 783rd victory with a 3-1 win at Buffalo, moving him into sole possession of fourth place on the league’s all-time list.