Islanders' Trotz pleads for patience from fans amid power-play slump

Head coach Barry Trotz appreciates the passion from the New York Islanders' fan base, but asks they show more support amid the team's struggles on the man advantage.

"It doesn't help that our fans boo us 30 seconds into the power play," Trotz said, according to the New York Post's Brett Cyrgalis. "In our own rink, give us an advantage ... we have fantastic fans, and they have the right to boo, but we need their help."

The Islanders' power play entered Sunday's action ranked 29th in the league, operating at 14.5 percent. With just one goal over their last 36 opportunities, Trotz understands the criticism is warranted, but hopes fans can exercise a little more patience.

"Power play is not good, we deserve to get booed," he said. "But give us a couple of them. If it's the third or fourth one and we're not doing anything, then you can boo. Every team needs the support of their fans. When you're struggling, you don't need other people kicking you down."

Trotz will likely be a candidate for the Jack Adams Award this spring. With seven games remaining, he's improved the Islanders' point total by 13 from one year ago. The 56-year-old became the fourth bench boss in league history to coach in 1,600 games when the Islanders took on the Arizona Coyotes Sunday.