Huge decision by Patrick Roy on the eve of the game against the Montreal Canadiens

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David St-Jean
January 24, 2024 (9:08 PM)

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As the New York Islanders are in Montreal this Thursday to face the Canadiens at the Bell Centre, Patrick Roy has made a decision that is not universally agreed upon.

Indeed, Roy canceled his team's morning practice to avoid distractions. His first presence in Montreal will already be highly publicized, and his players don't need that.

"The Islanders club practiced at home today and will not have a morning skate in Montreal tomorrow because head coach Patrick Roy wants to limit distractions for his team before their game against the Habs.

Patrick Roy: "I don't want it to be about me, I want it to be about the Islanders going there to win a hockey game. We're not going there to win for the coach, it's for our team - that's the reason I don't want us to go to that morning skate. They're going to ask questions about me, this and that - I don't need this and they don't need that..."

It's controversial for journalists, but it's a wise decision. We all know that Roy will be highly sought after, and there will be several vultures around him, ready to ask him questions that may not necessarily be related to the Islanders.

It's a coaching decision for the good of his team, and we respect that 100%.