Islanders News: With a broom in hand, Eagles—not Ducks—return from Toronto
Though play has improved in several areas under Roy, it was just their second win in five games under his watch. They’re up to 2-2-1, and of course they’ll need a better pace than that to taste playoff hockey. The Islanders would like to run through walls, make up lost points, and get back into a playoff position for their new coach, Patrick Roy. Last night, with Roy’s hand-picked assistant next to him for the first time, they delivered the goods. With their third win over the Maple Leafs in 2023–24, which is good for a season sweep.
Toronto is reporting on how much the Isles players adore Roy. [Sportsnet] Prospect Report from the league’s 32nd-ranked system: Justin Gill has a few game-winning plays, and Cameron Berg is on a scoring binge. [Isles] Roy and new assistant Benoit Desrosiers get along well and have a transparent working relationship. [AM NY]
Oh my, that was near. For MacLean The Younger, a first. A tasty victor for the former Leaf Engvall. A hilarious last-horn squabble. [LHH]
Channeling everyone, Engvall remarked, “It felt really good.” Sheldon Keefe remarked, “That’s peewee stuff” in reference to letting the MacLean breakaway win. [NHL]
Three Conclusions: Victory! Furthermore, despite the late equalizer, the Isles didn’t give up. And when Bo Horvat objected to the Leafs’ targeting of Mat Barzal, Roy saw that “that’s who he is.” On this team, he is a leader. Leaders look out for their teammates at all times. You have a chance in life to be either an eagle or a duck. He resembled an eagle. [Isles]
A much-needed victory and possibly a shift in perspective (but with the opponent’s net empty). Nothing there, still.) [Post]
On time: Roy thought Engvall would be “fine” despite his recent struggles even before last night. [THEN]
Ryan Pulock (20:15) and Adam Pelech (20:49) made significant comebacks and both impressed Roy. [Newsday | Post]
Sadly, the Smurfs’ OT victory over the Avalanche was the only other NHL score from last night.
Lanny McDonald is grateful to the medical staff that supported him during his cardiac event. [NHL]
At a press conference, the police formally announced that the five members of the 2018 Canada
WJC team who had been previously reported as sexual assault victims would face charges. [NHL]
The NHL teams that have four of the players on leave will receive cap relief during their (probably indefinite) absence. Two of them were owned by the Devils, and they have empty their lockers. [NJ.com]
The most recent episode of 32 Thoughts podcast touches on a wide range of subjects, including the NHL’s reaction to the Hockey Canada sexual assault allegations, Arizona’s predicament, and the All-Star Game. [Sportsnet]
“There is worth to Phil.” That is, Kessel, if he still wishes to play. [Sportsnet]
