Barzal and Pageau fail Roy’s 15-minute workout

It didn’t take long for Patrick Roy to get into “intense” mode, as he took to the ice for the first time with his new soldiers, sporting the look of a man who wasn’t in the mood for a laugh.

Islanders morning training session. Patrick Roy is in energetic mode this morning pic.twitter.com/YPrRhbZVKf

– Guillaume Lefrançois (@glefrancoisLP) January 21, 2024

Heading into tonight’s battle with the Dallas Stars, the Islanders only practiced for 15 minutes, but those 15 minutes were worth their weight in gold with Roy Patrick‘s strict and animated instructions.

One-on-one brawls along the boards are one of the most important facets of hockey, and Roy made sure that his team were up to the task of executing this aspect of the game.

Listen to this intensity, it’s worth opening your ears:

Lots of energy from Patrick Roy at his first Islanders skate. He’s barking, banging his stick on the ice and coaching up players during every drill. pic.twitter.com/pf1biQpUhS

– Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) January 21, 2024

Another one:

Patrick Roy puts on quite a “show” at morning practice pic.twitter.com/usV1ytsLsz

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) January 21, 2024

The 58-year-old had to take the pulse of his clan before the start of his first game at the helm of an NHL team in over seven years. The hits on the ice and the vivid indications proved just how ready this hockey man was for his next challenge on the Bettman circuit.

The players saw a huge difference with a coach who took just 15 minutes to make his mark. In fact, Mathew Barzal and Jean-Gabriel Pageau were (positively) flabbergasted by Roy’s approach. Both players agreed that this was exactly what the Islanders needed going forward.

The morning training session only lasted 15 minutes, but it was very intense.

Patrick Roy made his mark right from the start, and the players appreciated it.

Matthew Barzal and Jean-Gabriel Pageau both said it’s exactly what the team needs.

– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) January 21, 2024

The two centre-halves were captivated by this first (small) training session led by Patrick Roy.

Isn’t it good when two of your leaders give a speech like that after a routine training session? Things are already changing dramatically, and Roy has only been at it for a few hours.

For those of you who were wondering, Roy actually trimmed his beard at Lou Lamoriello’s request, which shows his support for his group… even if it hurt!

Patrick Roy pic.twitter.com/AoS8YntyCb

– Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 21, 2024

Patrick Roy told me that, yes, he had to shave the beard.

“That one hurt,” he said with a grin. #Isles

– Joe Pantorno (@JoePantorno) January 21, 2024

Anyway, I think it’s beautiful!

Let’s go. pic.twitter.com/W6Gfpx0Ipd

– New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) January 21, 2024

In a gust

– Here’s the Roy’s first official press conference after training.

Patrick Roy pic.twitter.com/aKzoU5lSUD

– Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) January 21, 2024

– A great question is a great answer from Patrick Roy about Mike Bossy.

Asked Patrick Roy about his relationship with Montreal native and #Isles great Mike Bossy. Said they were neighbors and Bossy’s daughter used to babysit for his family. Deep, deep respect for Bossy as a player and person.

– Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) January 21, 2024

– I have to agree…

Imagine if the #CH had drafted Michkov or Benson (my picks) in 2023 and would have all the luxury of drafting Buium, Parekh or Dickinson in 2024.

Okay, I’ll stop! https://t.co/uLTq9uKqpo

– Marc-Olivier Beaudoin (@MOBeaudoin1) January 21, 2024