Garth Snow made the announcement that longtime goaltender consultant Gilles Lefebvre has been hired as the Islanders Goaltending Coach, replacing “Sudsie” Maharaj.

Lefebvre, a long time consultant to many Quebecois goaltenders, such as Martin Brodeuer, Jose Theodore, and Martin Biron, has been working as the “instructeur de gardien de but” for over two decades.  It will be his job to provide expertise to Rick DiPietro, to take him to the next level of the NHL elite. 

Sudsie had been with the Islanders for a number of seasons, and according to many fans around the coliseum, seemed to have Ricky work on his meditation more than his goaltending.  Many of these fans just did not get Sudsie and wanted to see the return of #31 to the Islander coaching staff.

In my opinion, Smitty seems to enjoy his ‘doing nothing’ just fine, and did not seem to want to return.  I think Lefebvre will do just fine.  If he can bring his expertise to Ricky and “Dubie”, that can make the Isles stronger defensively.  Combine that with the stronger defensive presence this year (Hill and Witt), and this team could make strides in the East this season.

More to come…. Gary