A Promising Future Ahead for a Young NHL Defenseman Prior to puck drop between the New York Islanders [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/latest-news/new-york-islanders-anthony-duclair-mathew-barzal-bo-horvat-maple-leafs-tsyplakov] and the Toronto Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/] on Sportsnet's Hockey Night in Canada, head coach Patrick Roy reflected on his tenure ahead of the game with Elliotte Friedman: Roy joined the team on Jan. 20, and while it's been an up-and-down journey, it's yielded positive results in his first calendar year with the team. In his first 71 games, he's compiled a 33-26-12 record and guided the team back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in April. "I was looking for this opportunity for a while," Roy said. "It's nice to be back in the NHL, very thankful to have this opportunity from Lou [Lamoriello], and it's been fun to work with him everyday. He's challenging you, but he wants the best for you, and he's been very helpful. He's giving me a lot of support and the coaching staff as well, so it's nice to have that, but the journey's been great." Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNTkyMTAzOTI5NTg3MjM1/usatsi_25044549.jpg] He also commented on the return of forward Anthony Duclair to the lineup after missing two months due to a lower-body injury. He ultimately added a helper on the first NHL goal for Isaiah George. Ahead of skating with Kyle Palmieri and Brock Nelson, he said, "I think that's gonna bring some offensive to our team, some speed, so it's more than welcome to see him back." To close out the segment, Friedman shared a clip of Roy with his grandsons, asking if he was better than former Islanders netminder Kelly Hrudey. Despite his six-season tenure on Long Island and 15-year career in the NHL, Roy jokingly had to face the music. "It's hard for me to say this because he's a former Islander and how much love I have for former Islanders, but, yes, I was better than Kelly Hrudey," he claimed. Roy and the Islanders defeated the Maple Leafs 6-3. New York will return to Hockey Night in Canada on March 22 against the Calgary Flames.
