What's Happening?
The New York Islanders have made a significant change to their coaching staff just six games into the NHL season by firing goaltending coach Piero Greco. This decision comes as the team seeks to address
the early struggles of their starting goalie, Ilya Sorokin, who has posted a .873 save percentage and a 3.90 goals-against average in his first five starts. Sorokin's performance has been inconsistent, although he showed improvement in a recent game against San Jose, where he saved 33 of 36 shots. Sergei Naumovs, who previously served as the goaltending coach for AHL Bridgeport and has a long-standing relationship with Sorokin, has been appointed as Greco's replacement. General Manager Mathieu Darche stated that the decision was made to reset the team's approach to goaltending, leveraging Naumovs' history with Sorokin.
Why It's Important?
The firing of Piero Greco and the appointment of Sergei Naumovs as the new goaltending coach is a strategic move by the Islanders to improve their defensive performance early in the season. Sorokin's struggles in goal have been a concern, as consistent goaltending is crucial for the team's success. By bringing in Naumovs, who has previously worked with Sorokin, the Islanders aim to enhance Sorokin's performance and stabilize their defense. This change could impact the team's standings and playoff prospects, as strong goaltending is often a key factor in a successful NHL season. The decision also reflects the team's willingness to make swift changes to address performance issues, which could set a precedent for future management decisions.
What's Next?
With Sergei Naumovs now in place as the goaltending coach, the Islanders will focus on improving Sorokin's performance and overall team defense. Sorokin will have time to adjust to the new coaching style before his next start, as David Rittich is set to play against the Red Wings. Sorokin is expected to return to the net for the game against Philadelphia. The team will monitor Sorokin's progress closely, and further changes could be considered if the desired improvements are not seen. The Islanders' management and coaching staff will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of this change and its impact on the team's performance throughout the season.
