New York Islanders Part Ways with Assistant Coach

New York Islanders will have a new face on their coaching staff next season as they've parted ways with assistant coach Ray Bennett, who was in charge of the team's power play. The decision was mutual, according to Ethan Sears of The Post. Bennett's departure marks the second change to the Islanders' coaching staff since the end of the season, with AHL head coach Rocky Thompson being promoted to the NHL staff earlier this month. The Islanders' power play struggled under Bennett, finishing with the third-worst conversion rate in the NHL at 16.5 percent. Over the final 12 games of the regular season, the team converted just five of their 34 power play opportunities. Matthew Schaefer led the team with eight power play goals, while Bo Horvat added seven. The team's power play woes will be a primary issue for head coach Peter DeBoer to address next season. Bennett will join the Washington Capitals as an assistant coach. The Islanders also announced that their AHL affiliate, relocating to Hamilton, Ontario, will be nicknamed the Hammers. The team's statement thanked Bennett for his hard work and dedication to the organization. DeBoer will now have to find a new assistant to oversee the power play. The Islanders' power play conversion rate worsened to 2-for-18 over the final six games of the season. Bennett's experience as an assistant coach with the Blues and Kings will be missed, but the team is looking to move forward. The Hammers nickname is a nod to Hamilton's history with the steel industry. The Islanders will look to improve their power play next season with a new assistant coach at the helm.