NY Islanders Patrick Roy doesn't believe in moral victories but likes team's play

New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy has never been a coach interested in moral victories, and after Sunday’s 4–1 loss to Washington, he made that clear. Still, beneath the frustration Roy delivered a message that should resonate across the New York Islanders locker room: he likes the way his team is playing and he firmly believes the results will come.

“We did everything right. We had a lot of shots. We had a lot of chances. We just came up short,” Roy said. He noted that the Islanders have held opponents to fewer than 20 shots four times recently, a sign of a team defending at a high level. The issue is not the structure or the compete level. It is simply finishing. “Pucks did not bounce our way,” he said. “I want to be honest. I like the way we are playing. I love the way we compete.”

Sunday’s lone Islanders goal was the type Roy wants more of. A gritty rebound sequence finished by Bo Horvat. “Sometimes you have to throw pucks at the net and find ways to get those rebounds,” Roy said. The power play brought its own frustration. Roy admitted the first two attempts lacked enough shot volume or urgency, though he credited Washington for blocking lanes. A third-period adjustment using Ryan Pulock at the top finally created a goal. “There was urgency, and we needed a shot from the top,” Roy said.

Injuries and young players in key roles have not changed Roy’s expectations. “The standard of this team is to win hockey games,” he said. “If we continue to play this way we will win. We give ourselves a chance every night.”

No moral victories. Just belief that wins are coming.