Islanders in ‘a nice place’ with Roy as coach, Turgeon says

Led New York to the playoffs as Lambert’s replacement from Jan. 20; the former goalie and center were teammates in the Canadiens.

MIDDLE ISLAND, N.Y. — The New York Islanders are hopeful Patrick Roy’s demand for excellence and accountability will pay dividends this season.

So is a member of their alumni who knows him well.

“He’s got the fire,” said Hockey Hall of Fame center Pierre Turgeon, who played with Roy for the Montreal Canadiens in 1995. “He’s emotional. He’s got all of his emotions under him. He wants to win. He was the same as a player. It was all about one thing. He wants to win.”

Roy will be attending his first training camp as the coach of the Islanders, having taken over from Lane Lambert on January 20. The Islanders had a strong finish to the regular season, going 20-12-5 in their last 37 games and ending with a nine-game point streak (8-0-1). They secured third place in the Metropolitan Division before being defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference First Round, losing in five games.

In 2006, Roy was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. He won the Stanley Cup four times, two times each with the Canadiens in 1986 and 1993, and the Colorado Avalanche in 1996 and 2001. Over a career spanning 19 seasons, he was selected for the All-Star Game 11 times. Additionally, Roy won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 1986, 1993, and 2001 and earned the Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goalie in 1989, 1990, and 1992.

He also maintains the League’s record for the most games played (247) and victories (151) in the postseason.

“Turgeon, who played for New York from 1991-95, described him as a winner and a passionate hockey lover. He praised his incredible performance last year and mentioned his demanding nature, stating that he will push you to be accountable for your actions,” he said.

If the Islanders aim to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they must have a strong start to this season. In the past two seasons, they’ve only managed to secure a spot in the last week. In the 2022-23 season, they clinched a berth in the final game, and the previous season, they did so in the 81st game.

Turgeon, who was in New York on Saturday for the 23rd Annual McMahon Family Golf Outing, is optimistic Roy’s methods will help the Islanders find more consistency.

The 2024-25 season for New York kicks off at home on Oct. 10 against the Utah Hockey Club.

“Turgeon stated, “They’re not going to take action immediately, but I believe it’s a good position to be in at this moment. I perceive they have a substantial amount of tasks ahead of them. It certainly won’t be a walk in the park, however, Roy is definitely going to be of great assistance to us.”

“He is acquainted with the owners and is familiar with the New York market. He is committed to giving his all and will always do whatever is necessary to compete.”