Patrick Roy Must Be the Key to the New York Islanders Success this Upcoming Season

Looking at the Plus/Minus that Patrick Roy Brings to the Table

PLUS

The biggest plus Patrick Roy brings to the table is a structured, defensive approach. That approach is more reminiscent of the play the New York Islanders played under Barry Trotz than Lane Lambert.

Under Lambert, the team seemed to play a more open, offense-first style. However, that approach left Ilya Sorokin exposed most nights, facing way more shots than he had to.

While Sorokin did bail the Isles out numerous times, there were many others when he was left hung out to dry. In the end, we can chalk up Sorokin’s down year to the lack of defensive support in front of him. The proof of that lies in a seeming rebound Sorokin had in the second half, particularly following Roy’s arrival.

The fact that Roy preaches a responsible, accountable structure means the Isles will have to play firmly in their own end, and then rely on transition the transition game to move the puck up ice. That’s where puck-moving defensemen play a huge role in the system.

If the Isles can truly buy into Roy’s system, we could be seeing an Isles team giving up way fewer shots, and, by extension, way fewer scoring chances. That situation should translate into Sorokin facing fewer high-danger chances, allowing him to make the saves that he needs to make.

As for the offense, we should see an uptick in the transition game, focusing on speed and zone movement. That’s where wingers like Anthony Duclair and Maxim Tsyplakov can become difference-makers.

Overall, we know that Patrick Roy is like that tough father figure that everyone loves. While we may hate his tough side, we know it’s for everyone’s good. Let’s hope that Roy can translate last year’s momentum into a full season of solid, 200-foot hockey.