NY Islanders head coach Patrick Roy doubles down on his trust in Ilya Sorokin

The relationship between New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy and franchise goaltender Ilya Sorokin is quickly becoming one built on trust, compassion, and mutual understanding — the kind that only two elite goalies could share.

Roy, who knows the emotional highs and lows of the position as well as anyone, said his message to Sorokin this week was simple: he believes in him. Sorokin has faced a challenging start to the season by his own lofty standards, but Roy stressed that his focus isn’t on mechanics — it’s on confidence. “We’re using the word compassion — that’s an example,” Roy said. “He’s one of the best goalies in the league. He needs to have fun being on the ice and feel good about himself.”

The Hall-of-Fame netminder said his own experiences help him guide Sorokin through the mental grind that comes with being a top NHL goaltender. “My career wasn’t just a Cinderella story,” Roy said. “I had good games, but also bad ones. I can’t help him technically, but I can help him mentally — reminding him to feel big in the net, to trust himself.”

Roy’s calm, personal approach reflects a deeper philosophy — that confidence fuels performance. “Sometimes, it’s just a few words that make a goalie feel bigger, stronger, ready,” he said. “That’s all I care about. I want him to know he’s not alone, that we’re with him, and that we trust him.”