Raymond Bourque and Patrick Roy, opponents and then teammates throughout their illustrious hockey careers, maintain a strong friendship and of course we shouldn't be surprised if the former is happy about the arrival of the latter behind the New Islanders' bench. York.
“Casseau,” who was recruited by them on Saturday, enjoyed victory in his debut the next day as his new team beat the Dallas Stars 3-2 in overtime. And if there was anyone who wanted to know everything about how the evening went, it was Roy's former weapons partner with the Colorado Avalanche, especially since the two men often exchange text messages.
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“They showed Patrick at morning training on his first day of work and I could see him spring into action straight away. When a trainer arrives in the middle of a campaign, it is sometimes a difficult situation that they find themselves in. But Patrick taught, encouraged and spoke during the session. He joined the game and walked around the bench to talk to the guys coming back from the ice. He definitely is,” the former Boston Bruins defenseman said in an interview with NHL.com.
Bourque described the former goalie as a fierce competitor who loves his sport, but said he was surprised by the departure of Lane Lambert, who was fired by Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello. On the other hand, the club's new confidant will be able to master the challenge with flying colors, predicts his former accomplice from the “Avs”.
“I always believed that in his next coaching assignment he would find a young team that wanted to progress in later years. There he inherits a solid team that relies on good veterans and an interesting core to work with. In addition to a good goalkeeper [Ilya Sorokin]Quality elements are already in place.”
Extended mandate
But the fact is that the amount of work to be done is quite impressive. Before welcoming the Vegas Golden Knights on TVA Sports on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., the Islanders were in 10th place in the National Hockey League's Eastern Association. There are many games scheduled between now and the end of the regular season, but every point will be crucial.
In Bourque's eyes, Roy's background could prove to be the key to success on Long Island.
“With his winning attitude alone, he will instill a dose of passion in them. “Patrick wants to win, he wants you to play hard and with passion,” he said. He won't ask you to do anything he hasn't done 24/7 in his playing career. […] Your personal responsibilities also become those of the group. The Islanders don't have a bad team culture, but he will offer more to the organization.
Additionally, Bourque believes Montreal Canadiens fans will give Roy a warm welcome when the New York club comes to the Bell Center on Thursday.
“Regardless of his position, Patrick is an asset to the league because of what he represents and what he has accomplished in Montreal. He is a French Canadian, they will receive him to make him feel very good. The evening will be special.”