UNIONDALE, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 27: Head coach Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders speaks with a linesman prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Nassau Coliseum on February 27, 2021 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
New York Islanders coach Trotz just displayed what makes him an exceptional coach. Despite the analytics that demonstrates that Leo Komarov should not play on the first line, Coach Trot’s feel for his team tells him otherwise.
Like all outstanding coaches, he was right (at least for Thursday night).