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Good Morning, Islanders Country.
You haven’t heard? The New York Islanders are the biggest story in the NHL.
That’s not going to last forever (we don’t think). It’s abnormal and frankly a little strange for the Isles to be the most followed team in the NHL, but for now, they, or at least their new head coach, are the talk of the league.
Patrick Roy attracts media attention like he attracts respect.
If you’re a hockey fan over 30, you remember watching him play; if you’re younger, you’ve watched highlights of the four-time Stanley Cup champion and only three-time Conn Smythe Trophy winner (this may or may not include his bout against former Islanders goaltender Chris Osgood).
Roy is royalty in his native Quebec, a hockey icon in Montreal, and one of the most revered players of his generation. In three days, he’s become the face of the Islanders organization and if he’s successful, it will stay that way.
Having said all that, I don’t think we had a full appreciation for his lore and legacy until witnessing the media coverage over the last 72 hours.
The French Canadian media is going to get familiar with The Park at UBS Arena and the rest of Long Island with how frequently they’re expected to be covering his return to the NHL. Sorry, Newsday, NY Post, and The Hockey News, only one question a piece tonight: there are out-of-town journalists waiting for their turn.
Roy is holding 20-minute press conferences. The first half is in English, and the second is in French. He answers each question honestly. He provides details that give off the feeling that this is all he has been thinking about. It’s impressive.
He was hired to light an emotional fire under his players, but he’s also lightning up interest in a team that rarely has had the spotlight turned up on it quite like this. Let’s enjoy it while it lasts and maybe pick up some French along the way.
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