Patrick Roy, the head coach of the Islanders, faced a challenging post-game scenario following his team’s 4-2 loss to the Devils at UBS Arena. While he sought to maintain a positive outlook, it was evident that the Islanders, just over a week into training camp, had significant work ahead, particularly in their five-on-five play.
Roy emphasized the team’s focus on special teams during the initial days of camp, highlighting the importance of refining the power play and penalty kill. “We put a lot of focus on special units: the power play, the penalty killing, and we did a little bit of five-on-five, maybe a day so far,” he noted. This strategic choice stemmed from the previous season’s struggles, where the Islanders’ special teams were a critical factor in their disappointing performance. According to a recent analysis by the Hockey Analytics Institute, teams that excel in special teams often see a direct correlation to overall success, underscoring Roy’s rationale.
However, as the preseason unfolds, it becomes increasingly difficult to draw definitive conclusions, especially with lineups often blending NHL veterans and AHL prospects. This mixture can result in a disjointed team performance, and Roy’s observations reflected this reality. Even during the game, the Islanders struggled with their forecheck and allowed opposing players too much space in front of their net. It was a concerning trend that called into question their readiness for the regular season.
In discussing positives from the game, Roy mentioned several younger players—Matthew Schaefer, Marshall Warren, Gleb Veremyev, Cameron Berg, and Ilya Sorokin—without naming a single veteran skater. This shift in focus towards the younger talent may signal Roy’s intention to build a more robust foundation for the future, yet it also highlights a potential gap in the performance of established players.
“Not focusing on win or loss right now, but more focusing on being ready for the first [regular-season] game,” Roy stated, illustrating his commitment to long-term development over immediate results. “Was today a good step? No.” Such candidness is refreshing in the world of sports, where coaches often feel pressured to sugarcoat defeats.
Ilya Sorokin, the standout goaltender, played the entire game, stopping 23 of 26 shots. Roy confirmed that Sorokin would have another full game before the season begins, a crucial decision as the team seeks to solidify its defensive structure. With the season fast approaching, the Islanders need Sorokin at his best; his performance will be pivotal in determining the team’s success.
The game wasn’t without its concerns, as defenseman Ethan Bear left in the third period and did not return, leaving Roy without an update on his condition. Additionally, captain Anders Lee skated in a red non-contact sweater, raising questions about his availability as the regular season draws closer.
In the days following the game, the Islanders made roster cuts, assigning Alex Jefferies, Joey Larson, Matt Maggio, Calle Odelius, Cam Thiesing, and Henrik Tikkanen to AHL Bridgeport. Meanwhile, Liam Foudy, Julien Gauthier, Cole McWard, and Travis Mitchell were placed on waivers. These decisions reflect a team in transition, assessing talent and preparing for the competitive landscape ahead.
As the Islanders forge ahead, the focus must remain on improving their five-on-five play while continuing to develop their special teams. With the regular season on the horizon, the pressure is mounting. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Roy can steer the team toward a successful campaign, one that not only addresses last season’s shortcomings but also builds a strong, cohesive unit capable of competing at higher levels.
