In a shocking move by the New York Islanders, Lane Lambert was fired, and Patrick Roy was named the new head coach. This is a second chance for Roy who last served as an NHL Head Coach for the Colorado Avalanche. Many of you probably remember that Roy resigned from his previous position with the Avalanche just a month before training camp began for the 2016 NHL season.
Roy’s tenure as the Avalanche Head Coach definitely had its ups and downs. Roy led the Avalanche to a division title and a playoff berth in his first season. However, the team struggled and failed to make the playoffs in his final two seasons.
So, what should we expect from Roy? First of all, intensity! Roy is very intense – do we remember him pushing down the glass barrier between the two benches in his very first game as the Avalanche bench boss? Roy expects a physical game from his players. With the Avalanche he favored size and compete level. The Islanders roster fits that mold with size and physicality sprinkled throughout the lineup; Mayfield, Nelson, Lee, and Clutterbuck are prototypical “Roy” players.
I expect Roy to provide a jolt to the Islanders. Look for them to have a quality second half of the season and make a push for the playoffs. I personally can’t wait for the press conferences – never a dull interview with Roy!
How do you think Roy will do with the Islanders?
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