Since taking the helm of the New York Islanders, Patrick Roy has been striving to instill a fresh identity within the team. However, with the season’s start just days away, it is clear that significant deficiencies in five-on-five play remain. Following a 4-2 loss in a preseason match against the Devils, Roy acknowledged that several fundamental aspects require further refinement. “We’ve primarily focused on special teams and perhaps worked on five-on-five just once to this point,” he remarked. He indicated that the team would need additional time to solidify its system, particularly regarding forechecking and zone exits.
While he refrained from pinpointing a specific issue, Roy’s comments underscore a structural problem: the Islanders struggle to generate offensive momentum and control the pace of the game during five-on-five situations. This glaring shortcoming highlights the essential role that a player like Noah Dobson played in the previous system. A mobile defenseman with the ability to transport the puck, initiate offensive plays, and deliver solid first passes, Dobson contributed a dimension that the current lineup has yet to replicate.
The initial weeks of training camp have revealed the limitations of the current squad. Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech provide defensive stability, yet they lack the creativity needed during transitions. Alexander Romanov, who arrived from the Canadiens, is part of the mix but fails to fill the void left by Dobson. Acquired during the 2022 draft through a three-team trade that allowed Montreal to select Kirby Dach, Romanov brings a strong physical presence but shows limitations in his transition game. While he has defensive potential, he lacks the creativity and vision necessary to lead an offensive unit effectively or quickly ignite counterattacks.
This deficiency in offensive dynamism from the blue line directly impacts the team’s five-on-five performance. The Islanders find it challenging to exit their zone cleanly, maintain puck control, and sustain pressure in the offensive zone. The situation is further complicated by Roy’s reputation for demanding high intensity and structure from his defensemen, who are currently lacking both explosiveness and depth.
In a highly competitive Metropolitan Division, these weaknesses could quickly become a critical factor in the playoff race. The absence of Dobson looms large over Long Island, leaving a significant gap in the roster. Patrick Roy must seek rapid solutions, or face the possibility of his inaugural full season as head coach devolving into a nightmare.
Amidst this restructuring, a spark of hope is beginning to surface. The young Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick from the latest draft, is already providing glimpses of the future. In a preseason game against the Flyers, he showcased his skills during a crucial moment. As Matvei Michkov broke into the offensive zone, Schaefer executed a perfect defensive play, using his speed and anticipation to intercept the attacker, cleanly regain possession, and restart the play with composure.
Schaefer may not be ready to step into a prominent role immediately, but indications suggest he could become a key player in the future. If the Islanders can endure a challenging season to allow him to develop without pressure, the investment could pay off. While he won’t replace Dobson this year, he certainly has the potential to eventually make fans forget his name.
