Isles Inbox: Barry Trotz Answers Fan Questions

The Isles Inbox returns.
New York Islanders Head Coach Barry Trotz answered a series of fan questions that were sent in earlier this week via Twitter. Topics ranged from Trotz's coaching experiences, to his guitar collection, favorite restaurants on Long Island and more.
Keep an eye on @NYIslanders for future mailbags and your opportunity to ask the Isles questions.

Question from Scott Pinkney: What has been your favorite moment of the season so far?
I'm going to preface this by saying so far, because I fully expect us to come back and play games at some point. The game against the Philadelphia Flyers on 11/16 when we were down 3-0 and scored three in the third to tie the game and then win it in a shootout. That was a great game… so far.
Question from Kerem Sayir: What is something many people would not know about this Islander team?
We have a lot of guys with great senses of humor. And pranksters. You don't always see that side in their interviews.
Question from Brian Lambert: What is your favorite restaurant on Long Island?
I've got a couple: Walk Street, Ceno 081, Smoke Haus, Little Mexico, Lemon Leaf and Limani.
Question from Tyler Levitan: What has been your favorite quarantine activity so far?
During the quarantine, my family and I have found ways to still get out in a safe manner. My son and I ride a tandem bike. We turn the music on and just enjoy riding through our neighborhood.
Question from Chris Bagdonas: How do you think the offense can improve in the future?
If we can capitalize on our power-play and have a little more of a shooter's mentality, that will help. Also bearing down around the net as well, we will score more.

Trotz on Hockey Central

Your browser does not support the audio element.
Question from Jack K: We rarely see you irate behind the bench. Is that simply your style or do you save that side of you for when it's really needed?
I used to snap a lot earlier in my career. After games when I'd re-watch it, I saw it on TV, and it wasn't something I was too proud of. The thing that got me to change was when my kids would come and tell me I was swearing on TV, so I knew I wanted to make a change. I save most of that for behind closed doors in the dressing room.
Question from Evan Ortolani: What is the atmosphere in the locker room like before games?
It's an up-beat, business like mood. The players have their music playing. They all are going through their individual routines.
Question from Michael Glennan: Being off the ice for so long - how long would it take to get back in playing shape for the players?
Everybody will be different. I would say that guys will need about two weeks and it also depends on how hard they've worked during the pause. Generally, it takes about two weeks to get everybody up to the level where they can perform at their peak.
Question from Eddie Stehr: How would you describe the presence of Greene and Pageau in the locker room?
Both are doing a great job fitting in. Everybody acknowledges that both players are solid pieces as we go forward and make our playoff push. They're really strong character people who have been solid in what they say, how they act and perform on the ice.
Question from Liz B: Question: Do you think we will ever see a woman behind the bench in a coaching capacity some day?
Absolutely. In Bern, Switzerland, they just hired the first women General Manager. It's a matter of time before they're on NHL benches. I believe there will be a woman assistant coach in the next few years so I'm sure it won't be long after that.
Question from Cord Lehman: How severely has not having the "identity line" for the past few months impacted the team?
Injuries happen every season. We can't rely on that being a crutch. It's up to all of us to do our best to fill those voids as coaches and players. The guys that have moved into certain spots on all different lines have done a great job. Those three on our identity line have the ability to change the momentum in games. In matchups, they can discourage other lines from going in the corner or playing a certain way with their physical play. Their chemistry together elevates each of their games.
Question from Ryan Gluck: What are some of your favorite arenas to visit around the league other than the Coliseum?
There are a lot of great buildings and cities in our league. I like the Bell Centre in Montreal, MSG with the rivalry we have with the Rangers, Nashville is a fun atmosphere but we haven't had success there so we need to change that, Vegas, Chicago, Winnipeg and Tampa Bay all have great environments and Vancouver is a great city to visit as well.
Question from Tiana Trotz: If you weren't a hockey coach what would you be?
There are a couple things that I could be doing, maybe owning a coffee shop or work in construction, building houses back in Nashville or British Columbia. I've also thought about being a property owner which would give me income and allow me to fix and maintain those properties to keep me busy. I went to contractor school during the 2004 lockout.
Question from Luke Hannon: What is the most unusual slang term you've heard since moving to NY?
I don't really have an unusual slang term but the fun accents on "Lawnng" Island are great.

Question from Rishi Vohora: I noticed the guitar hanging in the background of a video you posted. How many guitars do you own? Which is your favorite? What kind of music do you play?
I own probably 25 guitars but do not play. I just collect them. My favorites would be the Kiss signed one, The Who signed one or the one from Garth Brooks. I also received a guitar at the NHL All Star game when it was hosted in Nashville which was pretty special too.
Question from Gabe I.: What makes Anders Lee such a good captain?
His character. He has the ability to be a great pro, while caring about the group. He carries the responsibility very well. Being a captain is not about you, it's about everybody else. Taking care of the group first before yourself.
Question from Billy Ryder: Are you superstitious about certain suits/ties based on if we win or lose?
I used to be very superstitious. I could tell you which suit, and tie were the winning ones, and which were not. I've gone away from superstitions in the last six years to a point where I do not care. What I wear to a game has no effect on the outcome of the game. I do have suits that I remember certain great moments or tough losses. My suits are lined up in my closet so whatever is up next and dry-cleaned, is what I wear.
Question from Melissa Armenia: Which NY Islander player (past or present) would you most liked to be quarantined with? Also, who would you not want to be quarantined with?
Al Arbour, because I'd love to listen to his philosophies on the game. I have nothing but respect for how he was as a person and how he lived his life.
Question from Nathan Shin: Who is the hardest working player that you've coached in your career?
We have a team full of hard workers. Out of the guys that I have coached in my career, I would have to say Mike Fisher and Jay Beagle.
Question from Michelle Minetto: Can you give us a motivational quote you like best?
I've got thousands of them but the one I use a lot is "If you want to go somewhere fast, go by yourself. If you want to go somewhere far, go with a group."
Question from Dana Salerno: Young hockey players are often encouraged to play multiple sports, what other sport do you feel is best for hockey players to play?
I encourage kids to play multiple sports throughout their childhood. There's not one that has better value than another. Every sport has unique qualities to help you gain small advantages. I always like playing team sports so you're working to achieve something as a group. The other thing to concentrate on is having the ability to process aspects of the game quickly. "What's your next play when you get the ball?" It allows you to become a better athlete. The secret is the best athletes always play, no matter what sport.
Question from Rhiannon O'Donnell: What was your reaction when you heard the 'Barry Trotz' chant for the first time? Did you expect to get a chant?
I remember it because I looked over at the coaches on the bench and asked, "why are they booing us?" and he told me, "No no, they're chanting your name." It's touching. I appreciate their support and don't take it for granted.
Question from Matt B.: If you had to choose a player you've coached, to be an assistant coach, who would you pick?
I'm going to stick with guys I coached in the past because there are several smart minds on our team now. Tom Fitzgerald, Shea Weber and Nicklas Backstrom would make good coaches.

Question from Ryan McDade: Who was the smartest hockey player you ever coached, someone most people wouldn't think of or consider?
Someone most people would not know or consider would be Vitali Yachmenev (Nashville and LA). He played on a line with Wayne Gretzky in LA, because he was so intelligent. His details with his stick were impressive. Nothing stood out about him, he wasn't fast, big, physical but was very efficient and smart.
Question from Tal Schulmiller: What are some ways you can tell if a line is developing good chemistry?
I think you can see when a line develops chemistry from their production. At the end of the day, that's what you want. You can also see when they're not thinking too much and they're still systematically in sink.
Question from Mark Artes: What is your favorite cereal?
I like Cheerios and Raisin Bran.
Question from Chris Long: Which aspects of this Islander team are you most proud of?
Their resiliency and humility.
Question from Bill Celona: Who is your favorite all time hockey player?
Bobby Orr because he changed the game, the way it was played. He was and still is to this day a class gentleman.
Question from Josh Rieders: What is the best book you've read for personal development?
I love reading books written about John Wooden. Another book that I just started reading now is Tribe of Mentors by Timothy Ferriss which is short story life advice.
Question from Doug Kerr: What is your normal daily routine during the season?
I wake up around 6:00 a.m., drive over to the rink, prepare for our coaches and player meetings throughout the morning, morning skate, speak to the media, workout, shower, grab a bite to eat and then head home to rest before the evening. I will get to the rink early to setup all of my notes for the player boards, go over my final notes for our pregame meetings and then we play. Postgame I will grab a bite to eat and then head home where I will work for about an hour and a half before going to bed, waking up and doing it all over the next day.