Photo: Bill Greenblatt/UPI
The New York Islanders’ victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Friday night marked head coach Barry Trotz’ 900th career win. Trotz, who coached the Washington Capitals to a Stanley Cup victory in 2018, became just the third head coach to achieve the milestone.
The Islanders won the game 5-2, which featured a power play goal by Brock Nelson, the nephew of former Capitals forward, Dave Christian, two goals by Josh Bailey, a goal from Anders Lee, and a goal by Cal Clutterbuck. Former Capitals goalie Semyon Varlamov made 27 saves for his first win since January 18 as the Islanders won their second game in as many days.
Trotz told the media after the game that he didn’t realize he had won his 900th game as coach until after the game. He said, “This means I’ve been around for a long time.”
Barry Trotz had no idea he won his 900th game as a coach until after tonight’s win 🤣
“This means I’ve been around a long time” pic.twitter.com/gC9JgHzx6e
— Islanders Videos (@SNY_Islanders) March 12, 2022
Josh Bailey and Cal Clutterbuck also talked about Trotz’ coaching milestone.
“Hall of fame career for a hall of fame person. We are happy for him, no question” – Bailey on Trotz 900th win
More from Bailey and Clutterbuck ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/j3UUIBNKjL
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) March 12, 2022
Trotz now has a career record of 900-659-60-166 in 1,785 NHL games for a points percentage of .568. His win total only ranks below Scotty Bowman (1244) and Joel Quenneville (969).
Trotz began his coaching career with the Nashville Predators in 1998-99, when they were an expansion team, and remained with the team as their head coach through the 2013-14 season.
Trotz then coached the Washington Capitals from 2014-15 through 2017-18. During his tenure with the Capitals, the team won the Presidents’ Trophy twice and won the Stanley Cup in his final year with the team. His coaching record for the Capitals was 205-89-34 for a .677 points percentage.
Congratulations, Coach Trotz! 💯 x 9#NHLStats: https://t.co/tUR73kQHHz pic.twitter.com/9ozhVlNNnA
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 12, 2022
Trotz has been with the Islanders since 2018-19 and has a 23-24-8 record with the Islanders so far season. His overall record with the Islanders is 138-91-32 for a .590 points percentage. During the past two seasons, he lead the Islanders to the Eastern Conference Finals where they met the Tampa Bay Lightning, the eventual Stanley Cup winner, both times.
The Capitals will travel home on Saturday and have a day off on Sunday before they return to work on Monday for practice. They next host Barry Trotz and the Islanders on Tuesday at Capital One Arena. Puck drop is set for 7:00 PM.
By Diane Doyle
Further Reading
NHL.com Game Recap
Washington Post Game Recap
Islanders Hire Barry Trotz As Head Coach
Barry Trotz’ Day With The Stanley Cup in Dauphin, Manitoba
Barry Trotz, Former Capitals Coaches Receive Their Stanley Cup Rings in Emotional Ceremony
A Year After Resigning From Capitals, Barry Trotz Wins Jack Adams Award As NHL Coach Of The Year
Congratulations Barry. Will always be a legend in DC.
Will be good to see Barry next week.
In Barry We Trust