There is no alarm being sounded by the Islanders after two straight losses and no desire by the coaching staff to shake up a lineup that won its first six games after being put together.
“We’re gonna stick to the program. I like that mix,” Patrick Roy told reporters following Friday’s practice. “But like I said before, we’re not afraid to try different things if it has to be. But as of now, I’m pleased with what I’ve been seeing.
“I’m not gonna panic over two games. I feel like, yeah, we didn’t generate as much against Buffalo, but there’s a reason and I think we were lacking support in a lot of situations. I just hope that we’re gonna do that well tomorrow.”
The Islanders do not have long to get things turned around after a 3-0 loss to the Sabres on Thursday.
They face the Senators at home on Saturday afternoon before crossing the East River for a Sunday matinee at the Garden.
“They got a lot of young talent. I think it’s a bit like Buffalo,” Roy said of Ottawa. “They love the transition. They’re not afraid to take chances. That’s why we want to be good in our forecheck, that’s why we want to be good in supporting each other to make sure we can keep the puck more in their zone than giving them that opportunity to have the D jump into those rushes.”
After losing a challenge on Zach Benson’s goal Thursday, Roy said Friday he still believed Ilya Sorokin was interfered with by Jordan Greenway, who was stationed in the crease.
“The third goal should not have been a goal in my opinion. I wouldn’t be happy if that were me in the net,” Roy said. “Ilya is a quiet person. He’s calm. Me, I’m more like energy and everything. I might’ve snapped a little bit at the referee on that one.”
Robert Bortuzzo (high ankle sprain/LTIR) participated in Friday’s practice.
“He shows up every day with a great attitude,” Noah Dobson told reporters. “He’s a great guy to be around, so really happy to see him back out there. Hopefully we’ll have him back here soon.”
Brock Nelson was absent for personal reasons.
Roy said Semyon Varlamov will start Saturday’s game in goal while Sorokin will go on Sunday against the Rangers.