Here's Why Islanders Patrick Roy Gave His Players Time Before Changing Up Lines

EAST MEADOW, NY — When Patrick Roy first arrived on Long Island on Jan. 20, integrating his structure and game plan wasn’t the first thing on his mind.

The former NHL head coach and Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender needed to watch and learn about what type of group this New York Islanders team was.

Through the first 12 games of his tenure, very few line changes were made outside of injuries and in-game adjustments.

After testing out Brock Nelson on Bo Horvat’s left alongside Mathew Barzal in the third period of their 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 24, Roy decided to alter his lines to make that work.

The following day, Roy showed off his first brand-new lineup, with the three C’s leading the way up top:

Who knew how long that configuration would last, if they even made it through their first game against the Dallas Stars on Monday.

The answer: At least two games.

Roy let those lines do their thing, and it has the Islanders entering their weekend showdown with the Boston Bruins on a two-game win streak, four vital points to keep the Islanders in the playoff race.

Why did Roy wait a bit to start changing the lines?

“I had to get to know them,” Roy said following Friday’s practice. “Getting to know them was the most important thing. That’s the first thing Lou [Lamoriello] said to me. “He said, ‘Go with your gut and get to know the guys and give them the chance…not go with perception but feel’ and right now I’m very pleased.”

“It was tough to make the decision, but I thought that was the best for the team, and I love how receptive the guys were about those line changes.”

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The question was going to be secondary scoring at 5-on-5 if these new lines were going to work, which includes goals from the blue line as well.

So far, the Islanders have eight goals over their last two games, one coming on the power play (which is also critical) and one coming in overtime.

The new-look top line has two goals at 5-on-5, while fourth-line center Kyle MacLean has one off a one-timer, third-line center Casey Cizkas scored on a deflection, with defenseman Ryan Pulock getting in on the action as well.

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Pierre Engvall’s empty-net goal is a 5-on-6 tally, but it was a critical one, the Islanders’ first empty-net goal of the season.

Having the trust of Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello isn’t just important. It’s the sole reason why Roy came to Long Island in the first place.

How important was it for Roy to hear his general manager entrust him the way Lou did?

“That’s the reason why I’m here,” Roy said. “Because I’m working with him. I mean, I enjoy everything. He’s so passionate. He wants to win. And it goes above that. I mean, it’s the ownership, the support that ownership gives us and Lou.

“Lou could play the role of a mentor for me. That’s what I love about this relationship. I mean, he’s involved, he’s present, he’s passionate, and he wants to win. And I think it’d be foolish for me to not use his experience.”

The Islanders are back in action Saturday night at 7:30 PM ET to battle the Boston Bruins.

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