The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a late victory against the New York Islanders in a thrilling match that showcased a bold strategy by Islanders head coach Patrick Roy. With just 42.3 seconds left on the clock and the Islanders down 2-1, Roy made the surprising decision to pull goaltender Ilya Sorokin while facing a power play from Toronto. This move, while unconventional, was intended to create a last-minute offensive opportunity for his team.
Despite the risky maneuver, the Islanders struggled to gain possession of the puck in their own zone. In a frantic scramble, former Islanders captain John Tavares sealed the game for the Maple Leafs with an empty-net goal on the power play, leaving just 32.9 seconds in the game. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube expressed surprise at Roy's decision, noting that he expected the Islanders to play more conservatively under the circumstances.
Roy, known for his unconventional tactics, explained his rationale post-game. He believed that if the Islanders won the faceoff, they could ice the puck and potentially gain offensive possession, making it a calculated risk despite its low success rate. This decision reflects Roy's history of bold goaltending strategies, including a memorable incident during his time with the Colorado Avalanche.
