""They said enough's enough," Hahn explained. "You're supposed to be one of our leaders, and you can't do this. And so they scratched him. That's embarrassing for a star, to be scratched - a healthy scratch.""
""He has been such a dynamic player. He has been an all-star. He has played great. He has given you an honest effort every night.""
""Darche has been great since he took over," Hahn said, "but Patrick Roy deserves a lot of credit.""
The New York Islanders shifted momentum when the organization scratched Mathew Barzal for missing a morning skate, prioritizing accountability over short-term optics. The healthy scratch cost a game but prompted a measurable response: Barzal returned playing with renewed dynamism and consistent effort. Improved team health and elite goaltending combined with the arrival of rookie Matthew Schaefer to elevate energy and competitiveness. Coaching and leadership adjustments, with Patrick Roy taking a prominent role and Mathieu Darche reinforcing organizational standards, helped change the team culture. Increased fan engagement followed, including seven straight sellouts at UBS Arena.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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