EAST MEADOW, N.Y. — The Islanders are headed into the All-Star break in first place in the Metro Division and as the absolute stunner of the NHL season so far. After a tumultuous six weeks this offseason that saw Lou Lamoriello come in as team president, GM Garth Snow and coach Doug Weight fired, Barry Trotz hired and John Tavares depart, few if any expected the Isles to challenge for a playoff spot, let alone the division lead.



The Athletic sat down with Lamoriello on Monday at Northwell Health Ice Center to see what the Isles’ first-year boss thinks of his team’s surprising start, plus a few other topics.



Could you have anticipated this run by your team when training camp began?



If somebody would have told me (before the season), “Here’s a piece of paper. This is where you’ll be. Will you sign here?” You’d sign. I don’t think Barry or I knew what to expect. We certainly talked often from the time Barry...