Barzal loves the Roy hire, can't you tell?

Any chance New York Islanders forward Mathew Barzal has had to praise the work of new head coach Patrick Roy, he has. 

"Yeah, it's been great. It's been awesome for our team, for our group, and for myself, personally," Barzal said up in Toronto Thursday night ahead of the All-Star Draft. "He sparked our group. He really brought in a new energy that we've jumped on, jumped on the back of.

"I think we've played our best hockey of the year lately, and also, I'm extremely happy that he's our guy."

Despite what was a tough first week under Roy ahead of the All-Star break, going 1-2-1, the Islanders ultimately could have gone 4-0-0 if it wasn't for some sloppy moments. 

"I feel like you just have to watch the game, and you can just tell immediately that we're playing a different style and a little more of an upbeat style," Barzal said, "We're moving the puck, a lot of emphasis on a five-man unit coming up the ice.

"Patrick, his passion is obvious. And we're lucky to have him. He's a brilliant coach."

Barzal seems eager to get back on the ice and continue what will be a vital stretch for the Islanders out of the break, facing the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tampa Bay Lightning, Calgary Flames, and Seattle Kraken before hitting the great outdoors against the New York Rangers. 

But first, Barzal will be defending his Fastest Skater trophy -- amongst competing in other various events -- Friday night when the puck drops for the NHL Skills Competition.