The Patrick Roy era on Long Island got off to a great start: His club skated to a 3-2 overtime victory over the Dallas Stars in the Hall of Fame goalie's debut as head coach on Sunday.
New York appointed Roy to succeed Lane Lambert in a stunning move on Saturday. Roy hadn't been on an NHL bench since 2016 and spoke about how happy he is to be involved in the league again.
"I love it," Roy said after the victory, per Sportsnet's Eric Engels. "I might be repeating myself, but I have so much respect for this game. This game has been so good to me, and I'm very thankful and really appreciate this opportunity.
"I mean, the support that (general manager) Lou (Lamoriello) gives me and the involvement that he has, and the coaching staff - I could not ask for any better situation at this period of my life. Yeah, it would be easy to stay home and play golf and enjoy life, but this is what makes me feel I'm alive, and I really enjoy it."
Islanders forward Bo Horvat, who sealed the win with a breakaway goal in overtime, said he and his teammates wanted to start on the right foot for Roy.
"Everybody wanted to get that win not only for ourselves but for our coach," he said, per SNY TV.
Horvat also joked about the difference in energy with Roy in charge.
"Somebody has got to throw a Fitbit on him or something, track his steps. He was great back there and I was just happy we got that win for him."
Sunday's win brought New York to 51 points on the year, four back of the Carolina Hurricanes for third spot in the Metropolitan Division with an extra game played.
