As someone who grew up a fan of the New Jersey Devils, I will always be thankful for what Lou Lamoriello did for the organization and turning them into a perennial contender that won three Stanley Cups (1995,2000, & 2003). His contributions to all of that can never be taken away from him and he should be appreciated and celebrated for all that he did. However, since he left the organization, the game of hockey, and how things are overall have completely changed and passed him by. You know what the problem is? Lou has not, and will not be willing to change and adapt to the new NHL. That is a big problem especially for the New York Islanders and their fans.
Times have changed and mindsets about certain things these days are much different from back when Lou was running the Devils. Game wiseโฆ the guys are younger, faster, stronger, more skilled and keep on being creative. The rules have changed as well . Gone are the days of โThe Trapโ that the Devils used to play. The style of play and players brought in for the Islanders currently donโt offer the team much hope of adapting and getting the right players necessary (especially higher end skilled players) that could help take the team to a much higher level and turn them into a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. The Isles need players that can put the puck in the back of the net. Donโt get me wrong, theyโre a very good and solid defensive team with top notch goaltending, but you canโt win games or especially in the playoffs when you donโt score enough goals at even strength or especially on the power play.
On and off the ice, the players are more colorful, and show off their personalities much more so than back in the day. One of the most if not the most ridiculous rules Lou Lamoriello imposes on his team and players is the no facial hair rule unless they make the playoffs. To me, thatโs just not right. These guys are hockey players, and not corporate business suits. Whether they have facial hair or not, should be totally up to them. How does having facial hair affect a teams play on the ice? It doesnโt! The New York Yankees in baseball impose the no facial hair rule too and itโs absolutely ridiculous. Just my two cents on that front.
Iโve had thoughts on writing an article like this before about Lou Lamoriello, but something at the recent Stadium Series games that happened (better yet didnโt happen) that really got me angry and irate. These outdoor games besides about winning and getting two important points in the standings, they are meant to be about having fun. Usually teams from both sides come up with a dress up in a theme of sorts that goes with their city or state they live in. For example, the New Jersey Devils dressed up in track suits like โThe Sopranosโ while the Philadelphia Flyers dressed up like Rocky Balboa to honor their city. On Sunday when it was the New York teams turn, the Rangers while simple still did a nice gesture and walked in with NYPD and NYFD officers while wearing their respective departments hockey jerseys to honor and thank them for all that they do to keep New York City safe. What do the New York Islanders do (clearly not the players fault here as Iโm sure they wanted to do more)? They simply showed up and arrived in their typical pregame business esque suits. Seeing this really riled me up with anger and such disappointment towards someone who I once idolized for turning my childhood team into winners. These outdoor games are meant to be about fun besides just winning the game and getting the two points. If he were right in front of me right now, I would simply ask Lou Lamoriello โWhat in the world is so wrong with having some fun for the players themselves and the fan baseโ? Seriously Lou, what is so wrong and bad with that? I love, respect, & thankful for all that Lou has done over his career, but clearly a man thatโs not willing to adapt with the times needs to go.
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