Here's what Islanders Bo Horvat had to say after rigorous practice week ahead of Stadium Series game.
Here's what Islanders Bo Horvat had to say after rigorous practice week ahead of Stadium Series game.
EAST MEADOW, NY -- New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat is a leader without a letter.
Yes, Horvat donned the "C" from 2019 until being traded to Long Island during last year's All-Star break, but with New York, he's been a critical voice.
Following Saturday's practice, The Hockey News caught up with Horvat to discuss the rigorous week ahead of a critical outdoor affair against the New York Rangers.
"I think we are all ready. I think we're ready to play games again," Horvat told The Hockey News. "It feels like we're on a little bit too long of a break here.
"We had some hard practices that kind of mimicked what it would be like in a game, and I think we're definitely ready to go on Sunday."
This week brought the group closer together.
"I think everybody's working hard together collectively, trying to compete and making sure they're better," Horvat said. "So, in the long run, that's gonna make us better."
During practice, Roy wasn't happy with what forward Pierre Engvall did during a drill and made sure he knew about it.
Roy stops drills often, doing what he can in the moment to point out certain habits that he's trying to break. The new head coach of the Islanders understands that old habits die hard.
"We're looking to, not be a perfect team, but we're gonna strive to be as close to perfect as we can," Horvat said. "And that's everybody doing the right things at the right time. So it all starts with practice.
"I think we're all excited to play hockey games again, and it was a tough week, just working through it. But somehow, we made it, and I think I can speak for everybody in here that we want to get to playing hockey games again."