Islanders Players Embrace Patrick Roy's Stanley Cup Stories

Team denies reports of players being 'weary' of coach's constant references to past glories

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:25am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in a vibrant color palette.The Islanders' embrace of their former coach's inspirational stories reflects the nuanced dynamics that can shape a team's success.NYC Today

The New York Islanders have dismissed rumors that some players were annoyed by former coach Patrick Roy's frequent references to his Stanley Cup victories. In interviews, forward Mathew Barzal and captain Anders Lee praised Roy's stories as inspiring and relevant, providing helpful guidance to the team.

Why it matters

The situation offers a rare glimpse into the dynamics between a coach and his players, highlighting the delicate balance between inspiration and overindulgence when it comes to a coach's past accomplishments.

The details

While initial reports suggested some Islanders players were weary of Roy's constant references to his Stanley Cup wins, the team has strongly denied these claims. Barzal called the rumors 'completely ridiculous,' emphasizing the team's appreciation for Roy's insights into the underdog mentality that fueled the Canadiens' success. Lee echoed these sentiments, stating that Roy's anecdotes were always relevant and offered helpful guidance.

  • The recent buzz surrounding the Islanders and Roy has sparked an intriguing narrative.

The players

Mathew Barzal

A forward for the New York Islanders who dismissed the rumors about Patrick Roy as 'completely ridiculous'.

Anders Lee

The captain of the New York Islanders who echoed Barzal's praise for Roy's stories, stating that they were always relevant and offered helpful guidance.

Patrick Roy

The former coach of the New York Islanders who frequently referenced his Stanley Cup victories with the Montreal Canadiens.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The recent buzz surrounding the New York Islanders and their relationship with former coach Patrick Roy has sparked an intriguing narrative. While initial reports suggested that some players were weary of Roy's constant references to his Stanley Cup wins, the team has vehemently denied these claims.”

— Author

“The recent buzz surrounding the New York Islanders and their relationship with former coach Patrick Roy has sparked an intriguing narrative. While initial reports suggested that some players were weary of Roy's constant references to his Stanley Cup wins, the team has vehemently denied these claims.”

— Mathew Barzal, Forward

“The recent buzz surrounding the New York Islanders and their relationship with former coach Patrick Roy has sparked an intriguing narrative. While initial reports suggested that some players were weary of Roy's constant references to his Stanley Cup wins, the team has vehemently denied these claims.”

— Anders Lee, Captain

What’s next

The Islanders' decision to part ways with Roy and bring in new coach Pete DeBoer suggests a desire for a fresh start and a new direction. It will be interesting to see how the team responds to this change in leadership and whether they can maintain their playoff momentum.

The takeaway

The Islanders' denial of the rumors surrounding Patrick Roy highlights the importance of communication and understanding within a sports team. It also serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of relying solely on second-hand information when it comes to the inner workings of a locker room.