Sebastian Aho of the Hurricanes reacts after scoring a goal against Robin Lehner of the Islanders in the first period of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PNC Arena on Friday in Raleigh, N.C. Photo Credit: Getty Images/Grant Halverson
RALEIGH, N.C. — One staple of Barry Trotz’s coaching this season with the Islanders has been lineup stability.
Unlike many coaches around the NHL, Trotz tends to stick with his four lines and three defense pairs for long stretches. It’s a trait the players certainly appreciate.
But, facing elimination in Game 4 of their second-round series against the Hurricanes on Friday night at PNC Arena, Trotz put his line combinations through what he calls his “blender.