The NHL has strict rules regarding interactions between coaches and the media, and on Saturday, Patrick Roy chose to break those rules for reasons that remain unclear.
The New York Islanders have had a solid start to the 2024/25 season, holding a record of 3-3-2 after eight games, keeping them competitive in the Stanley Cup Playoff race within the Metropolitan Division despite a recent loss to the Florida Panthers. On Saturday, they also secured a new deal for veteran forward Matt Martin after placing Anthony Duclair on waivers, but perhaps their most surprising move came later in the day.
Prior to facing the defending Stanley Cup Champions, the Isles made an unusual decision by not making Head Coach Patrick Roy available for pre-game media comments, a significant breach of the NHL’s media guidelines.
The Islanders declined to make Patrick Roy available pregame despite league rules stating he must talk and requests from reporters asking for him to speak.
— Ethan Sears (@ethan_sears) October 26, 2024
Shortly after, the team squandered an early 3-1 lead at home against Florida, with the defending champions rallying to claim a 6-3 victory. This loss raised many questions not only about the team’s performance on the ice but also regarding the decision to restrict Patrick Roy from addressing the media. Currently, there is no clear explanation for this choice. While some fans appreciate New York’s reluctance to provide the standard pre-game responses typically given to the media, others are criticizing GM Lou Lamoriello and the front office for this controversial decision.
#Isles , in circumvention of established NHL media guidelines, are not making Patrick Roy available before the game. Team denied requests to talk to players before game as well.
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) October 26, 2024
This isn’t the first time Lou Lamoriello has faced criticism for his old-school methods, especially during the off-season. For now, we await an explanation for this intriguing decision.
Considering that New York didn’t make many significant changes this summer, frustration appears to be brewing within the organization. Whether the issues stem from Roy, Lamoriello, or the players, it may lead to some substantial changes in the future.
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