Story perspectives

Roy Revamps Islanders’ Special Teams for Playoff Push

9/16/2025

Summary

Story summary

Head Coach Patrick Roy is prioritizing special teams in training camp for the New York Islanders, focusing on improving their last-ranked power play and penalty kill.
He believes enhanced special teams could have led to a playoff berth last season and plans to incorporate new players like Jonathan Drouin and Maxim Shabanov.
The coaching staff has been updated with Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner to strengthen strategies.
Bo Horvat stressed the importance of special teams for playoff success.
Roy aims to define the team's special teams identity by the season opener on October 9.

History

Historical Context

The New York Islanders, founded in 1972, achieved remarkable success by winning four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983, a feat unmatched in NHL history. Their dominance was fueled by a strong roster and effective special teams. Today, Head Coach Patrick Roy aims to revitalize the Islanders' power play and penalty kill, crucial for their playoff aspirations, as emphasized by player Bo Horvat.

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Story summary

Head Coach Patrick Roy is prioritizing special teams in training camp for the New York Islanders, focusing on improving their last-ranked power play and penalty kill.
He believes enhanced special teams could have led to a playoff berth last season and plans to incorporate new players like Jonathan Drouin and Maxim Shabanov.
The coaching staff has been updated with Ray Bennett and Bob Boughner to strengthen strategies.
Bo Horvat stressed the importance of special teams for playoff success.
Roy aims to define the team's special teams identity by the season opener on October 9.

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