Patrick Roy says Islanders’ culture is about never giving up

It has been a rough start to the preseason for the New York Islanders. Currently, they're 1-2 and have struggled in those games. Both losses came against the Devils, and they've been outscored in those games 10-4. There was one win game against the Rangers; however, it was not an easy win, as the Islanders were down 4-2 entering the third period. If not for a three-goal third period, the Islanders would be winless.

While the preseason has not gone the way he wanted, Patrick Roy is encouraged by what he's seen. Although the results aren't what they should be, these games have contributed significantly to the culture that Roy has been building on Long Island. After the 6-2 loss to the Devils, here is what Roy had to say about his team. "I never felt like we gave up; we kept pushing. And that's a little bit of our culture, we're a team that never gives up."

This is the perfect attitude for the Islanders to have. While there is talent on the roster, they're still seen as a middle-of-the-pack team who will likely miss out on the playoffs. But if Roy can implement this mindset, it could cause the Isles to outplay expectations.

A culture of not giving up will make the Islanders scrappy

Last season, the Islanders struggled to close out games. They blew 18 leads during the 2024-25 season, with 11 of them coming during the third period. That tied them with the Flyers for the third most blown leads in the third period. The Islanders also struggled to overcome deficits in games. They had only 16 comeback wins, ranking 18th in the NHL, and only five of those came in the third period.

This is a sign of a team not being able to play a full 60 minutes. At one point or another during games, the Islanders took their foot off the gas, which the other team capitalized on. Whether it's them being discouraged by trailing and not being able to rally. Or they think they have the game in hand and allow the opponent to make a comeback. It's not something that winning hockey teams do.

If Roy can establish a "never give up" culture, this problem of not playing a full game will go away. We've seen it work so far this preseason. As previously mentioned, the Islanders had a three-goal comeback win over the New York Rangers. But what made this comeback even more impressive is that two of these goals came in the final five minutes of regulation. Despite them losing with the game almost over, the Islanders stayed competitive, and it paid off for them.

While it's only preseason, it's a sign of what this culture can bring. If the Islanders have an attitude that they're in every game and to give everything they have for 60 minutes, more comebacks like this will come. Not only will more comebacks come, but the Islanders will hold on to more leads. It'll help the Islanders win games they're not supposed to, helping their playoff chances, and giving them the confidence that they can play anyone. It could be the change that brings the Islanders back to the promised land.