Pierre Engvall discovering ice time will not come simply below Patrick Roy

There’s nonetheless one other week left to alter the equation, and the lineups the Islanders are rolling out in practices now may very well be fairly completely different by the point they begin the season in opposition to Utah in every week.

On the proof we’re seeing on this penultimate week earlier than opening evening, nonetheless, Pierre Engvall goes to want to alter Patrick Roy’s thoughts over the approaching days if he’s going to be in subsequent Thursday.

Engvall, who’s below contract till 2030, was not noted of Monday’s preseason recreation in opposition to the Flyers that Roy wished to make use of as the primary of two gown rehearsals with the NHL lineup intact. He skated with the fifth line in follow on Tuesday and Wednesday. There’s nonetheless one other preseason recreation, Friday in opposition to the Rangers, and 5 days between then and the opener, so nothing that occurs now must be handled as gospel.

However even when Engvall makes it into the lineup, a message is being despatched proper now, clear as day: Nobody, however nobody, is assured taking part in time with Roy behind the bench. That’s simply the kind of message the top coach must be sending to a workforce chock stuffed with veterans who perhaps have gotten slightly too used to the other previously.