Here's what Stan Fischler had to say following the Islanders first win under Patrick Roy.
Here's what Stan Fischler had to say following the Islanders first win under Patrick Roy.
Miracles happen!
Patrick Roy made them happen last night in Elmont.
The Roy Era is underway on Long Island, and where -- plus how -- it will end, nobody knows.
What we do know is that the spanking new New York Islanders coach engineered a 3-2 come-from-behind overtime win last night at a screaming, happy UBS Arena.
"It felt great," beamed Mathew Barzal, a great-maker. "Everybody wanted to get a win not only for ourselves but for our coach. Really it was phenomenal."
Facing Dallas, Roy had little time to do much except hold a practice and try to divine a system to thwart one of the NHL's best teams.
"I love it," enthused the overjoyed skipper. "This is what makes me feel alive."
Well, he brought the Isles back to life while he was at it; a true peripatetic individual intensely bent on winning.
Thanks to Hudson Fasching's third-period tying counter and Bo Horvat's sensationally quick OT winner -- also thanks to Barzal's off-the-wall pass -- the "New" New York Islanders thrust themselves back into the playoff race.
Horvat: "He (Roy) brings so much energy behind the bench. It feels like he's 'playing' the whole game for us. He's constantly engaging and yelling words of encouragement and helpful tips too."
Before the opening faceoff, Patrick couldn't go so far as to guarantee a victory. What was wanted -- nay needed -- was a team willing to sacrifice like never before; plus generate consistent energy and play with smarts.
"I was happy with the resiliency of this group," Roy added. "They were very calm, and I was especially glad to see that."
For one night alone, the expectant crowd got its gift with an extra added push in goal from Ilya (40 saves) Sorokin. It's noteworthy that the netminder blunted an initial Dallas OT rush, leading to the Barzal counterattack.
Roy: "I can now understand why he (Sorokin) was a Vezina Trophy candidate last year."
Losses by the Flyers and Canes last night produced further smiles in Islanders country, not to mention the club's first game after practice today under Monsieur Roy.
It's already evident that "The Roy Effect" has gotten through to the Islanders.
"Patty came into the dressing room before the game," laughed Barzal, "and showed us a touch of his human side. He told us that he was nervous. Well, I was, too. But that 'nervousness' is something that gets the legs going, too."
It wasn't as if the visiting Stars were in any gift-giving mood for the freshly-minted New York mentor. They outshot the Orange and Blue 42-28 -- thank you, Ilya -- but Patrick's persistent skaters out-hit Dallas 25-15, and won the block-shots event 23-11
Under his new coach, Noah Dobson renewed his Norris Trophy challenge. The terrific two-way defenseman assisted on Alex Romanov's game-opening goal in the first period (2:52) and also got a helper after his point shot deflected off teammate Hudson Fasching and in at 5:32 of the final frame.
As for artistry in rhythm, check out the game-winner, which originated in the home zone. Barzal's typically brilliant pass catapulted Horvat, who seemed to break a breakaway speed record moving in on goalie Scott Wedgwood.
Bo's backhand was on the mark, and the reason why the Maven knows that fact of life is because the rubber dented the twine. The time, by the way, was 00:41.
This morning brings a bright new day for everyone in the franchise, especially its newest member.
"I have so much respect for this game," coach Roy concluded. "It has been so good to me."
And for his world premiere, first night behind the UBS bench, Patrick Roy was so -so good for the Islanders!