ELMONT, NEW YORK | The signing of Patrick Roy has inspired a wave of confidence among Islanders fans who have been concerned about their team's performance for some time.
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“I hope he kicks them in the ass and wakes them up!” One of them, Alan Byren, told us without batting an eyelid.
That was obviously the topic of the day in the corridors of the UBS Arena this Sunday. Roy's name was heard everywhere from the moment the doors opened and fans were allowed to enter.
Alan Byren is a long-time supporter. He believes he has followed the team diligently for 40 years. The Islanders' recent performances did nothing good in him, and the news of Lane Lambert's firing and Roy's hiring made him overjoyed.
“The right choice for us”
“We have the man who revolutionized the goalkeeping position around the world. He has a good reputation and I think that's what the players need. He is a coach, but also a personality and a guy who tells it like it is. I hope he rekindles the fire in them and gets them playing the way they should.”
According to Byren, who proudly wore Noah Dobson's No. 8 jersey, the New York Islanders are a better team than their record suggests.
“I'm not in the locker room so I can't say what's going on, but with the talent we have there's no reason why we can't win more. Now he has to [Roy] Find a way to bring out that talent. We have to play better for 60 minutes. At the moment it is the right choice for us.”
- Listen to the interview with Nicole Bouchard, long-time follower of Patrick Roy, on the microphone by Alexandre Dubé via
QUB radio
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Experience
Further away, Dave Fernandez was enjoying his pregame beer, leaning against the bar, Islanders jersey, hat and scarf securely fastened.
“I have been a fan of the team since the beginning, since 1972. I hated it when we faced him when he played,” he said immediately after the Journal spoke to him.
He also couldn't view general manager Lou Lamoriello's decision in a better light.
“Patrick brings experience and instant respect to the locker room. I think he will also bring discipline, an aspect that has been missing. I really liked what he said at the press conference about wanting to focus on the team's defensive play.
This loyal supporter had clearly looked at the pictures of the first training session led by Roy that morning, where he was very loud and intense, just like him.
“Seeing him hit his stick on the ice and yell at the players, I love it. We haven't had a coach like that in a long time. Barry Despite did it, but Lane [Lambert] had lost control of the team. He wasn’t good at making changes during the game.”
Sympathy for Lambert
Before we retreat to the press bridge, we approach a couple who have season tickets.
And while Fred Gutmann and his wife Elizabeth were pleased with Roy's attitude, they admitted to feeling sympathy for Lambert.
“It’s sad that he was fired. “They could have waited until the end of the season,” Elizabeth admits.
Fred Gutmann and his wife Elizabeth have season tickets for the Islanders. The pair believe a coaching change was necessary. Photo Kevin Dube
In the same breath, her husband admits that change is inevitable. But he wasn't as optimistic as the other supporters he met.
“I read somewhere this morning that we were going to make the playoffs. I doubt. These players need a kick in the butt.”
Obviously it's an issue. The message to Patrick Roy is sent.