Patrick Roy did it: he took the New York Islanders to the playoffs.
For the second time in his career, he is an NHL coach going to work in the playoffs. It also happened 10 years ago, in 2014, during his first season at the helm of the Avalanche.
He subsequently missed the playoffs as Colorado’s coach in 2015 and 2016.
Of course, it’s important to note that Roy isn’t exactly afraid of the playoffs. He has taken part in the playoffs no fewer than 17 times as an NHL player (nine times in Montreal and eight times in Denver), giving him a wealth of experience.
I’m sure his players in New York will draw on that experience – especially the one in Montreal, when nobody gave the Habs a chance of winning the Stanley Cup in 1986 and 1993.
Patrick Roy talks about the 1986 and 1993 Canadiens when he talks about the Islanders in the playoffs(@JessicaLapinski) https://t.co/FIvxLt8wSi
– Le Journal de MontrĂ©al (@JdeMontreal) April 16, 2024
Of course, as you know, Roy won the Stanley Cup four times as a player (1986, 1993, 1996 and 2001). But did you know that if he won it as a coach, he would make history?
Only one man has ever won the trophy as a goalkeeper and as a coach: Lester Patrick.
The @NYIslanders had two winning streaks of at least six games in 2023-24 and both came after Patrick Roy was named head coach in January.
#NHLStats: https://t.co/6b0F5f0mYH pic.twitter.com/xBXIcJ0kDv– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 16, 2024
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What you need to know is that Patrick (Lester, not Roy) was acting as goalie and coach in 1928. So he won both at the same time with the Rangers.
If Patrick Roy were to win the Stanley Cup in 2024 (or any other year) as a coach, he’d be the first to do it in a slightly more traditional way, let’s say.
Of course, if he wants to get there, it won’t be easy. His Islanders aren’t the team to beat in the NHL right now, and the first-round opponents, the Carolina Hurricanes, won’t be an easy customer.
Note that recently, when the Islanders make the playoffs, they go a long way… but last year, the Hurricanes won in six against New York in the first round.
Since Lou Lamoriello took over as general manager in 2018-19, the @NYIslanders are one of six teams to win six or more playoff series over that span.#NHLStats: https://t.co/6b0F5f0mYH pic.twitter.com/FkRE5i5Nax
– NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) April 16, 2024
But hey. Meanwhile, in Montreal, there hasn’t been a playoff since 2021.
To finish on Roy, the goalie also made the playoffs once in the QMJHL as a player and once in the AHL, where he won in 1985. He also made the playoffs 12 times as coach of the Remparts, winning the Memorial Cup twice in the process.
Highlights
– Maxime Comtois in uniform for the Hurricanes tonight?
Now official, players not dressing for the #Canes tonight in Columbus:
– Sebastian Aho
– Frederik Andersen
– Jake Guentzel
– Seth Jarvis
– Brett Pesce
– Jaccob Slavin
– Jordan Staal
– Andrei SvechnikovIt is expected that Max Comtois (#44) will play in his first game… pic.twitter.com/479WOEG1Xi
– Walt Ruff (@WaltRuff) April 16, 2024
– Well done.
He has the potential to change the Rangers rotation. https://t.co/aUE9YBU1gd
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) April 16, 2024
– Makes sense.
Jean Francois Houle thinks Luke Tuch could help his team this weekend – We’ll re-evaluate over the next few days #Rocket
– Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) April 16, 2024
– Of note on CF Montreal.
Iankov and Lassi are currently with the group. https://t.co/Vax113ohaP
– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) April 16, 2024
Josez Martinez stayed on the ground. His right leg seems to be really sore. It’s quite worrying.
At least he left on his feet.
We’re going to need the forwards to stay healthy. #Malchance pic.twitter.com/YhG1AyMJ7I
– Maxime Truman (@MaximeTruman) April 16, 2024