Patrick Roy critiques Pierre Engvall's inconsistent performance

In Montreal on December 2, 2024, Pierre Engvall, a player for the New York Islanders, was made a healthy scratch prior to a game against the Canadiens. Patrick Roy, the team's head coach, has publicly emphasized the need for Engvall to be more engaged, particularly by attacking the net consistently. Despite showing promise earlier in the season—scoring in three consecutive games—Engvall's performance declined, causing confusion regarding his recent benching. Engvall expressed uncertainty about Roy's message but acknowledged the frustration of being sidelined. Roy pointed out that other players are performing better, despite Engvall's greater talent, and stressed the importance of playing physically and remaining involved in games. Furthermore, Roy has been direct in his assessment of Engvall, indicating that his average play is not enough for the team's success. As the team prepares for potentially key lineup changes, including the return of Jean-Gabriel Pageau from injury, the coaching staff is seeking ways to motivate Engvall to contribute more effectively to the team's goals. On a broader note, Roy's comments reflect the challenges faced by players who experience fluctuations in performance, highlighting the balance between talent and consistent output that coaches must navigate when selecting their game-day roster.