2023-05-20 22:54:33
LAS VEGAS – Nicolas Roy feels like his life has been made easier since he was promoted to the right wing of the Vegas Golden Knights’ third line, along with Reilly Smith and of William Karlsson.
That’s good because when you ask the question to Smith, he believes that his and that of Karlsson have been facilitated since the arrival of the Quebec striker on their right flank. Roy brings an aspect of intensity and robustness that the two stars do not necessarily offer.
The three men were responsible for two goals – two by Karlsson – in the Knights’ 4-3 overtime win over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals on Friday .
READ ALSO : The Golden Knights avoided the nightmare
“They make my life easy, they are two excellent players, commented the 26-year-old Amossois. I try to complete them well, work hard and protect the puck. I know something good will happen for us if they have the puck.
“My job is to be effective on the forecheck and get the puck to make sure we have as much possession time as possible. »
It’s a bit different from the more defensive energy role he’s used to playing at the center of the fourth line.
After Game 4 once morest the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, coach Bruce Cassidy decided to reshuffle his lines and Roy ended up in the chair his compatriot occupied. Jonathan Marchessault for several years. He has so far amassed two assists in three games.
“It’s clear his strength is keeping possession of the puck and waiting for the best options to come up to generate offense,” Smith said. He’s also dominant on face-offs, he’s got offensive flair and he’s got a lot of talent. It’s fun to play with him.
“His arrival on our line has definitely helped us in puck pursuit. Nicolas has raised his level of play, and for sure we’re not complaining, William and I. »
However, there are things that do not change.
Recognized for the quality of his defensive game since his years with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, Roy finds himself on the line whose mission is to muzzle the first line of the Stars, that of Roope Hintz – the top scorer of this spring tournament with 22 points in 14 games.
In the first duel, the Finnish striker collected a goal and an assist, but the two goals generated by Karlsson’s trio leveled the game.
“Let’s be honest, Hintz is playing like (Connor) McDavid right now,” Cassidy said. If we maintain a neutral differential once morest this trio, it’s not bad. Because then it becomes a confrontation between our depth and theirs. So far, it has gone well for us in these series. »
Adaptation
This transition from the center – his natural position – to the wing was slightly more demanding for Roy in terms of adjustments, but everything indicates that he managed it without too many problems.
“He has less territory to cover, and he always has to be on the move,” Cassidy said. It is certain that he is more comfortable in the center, but we ask him something different. His ability to take faceoffs on the right side gives us more options on a line that takes on the opposition’s best elements. »
In the context, with what is at stake, the Quebecer is ready to do anything to help the team achieve its goal. After two appearances in the semi-finals which did not end in his favor, Roy simply wants to have his ticket to the final at the end of this confrontation.
“The truth is that I’m more comfortable in the middle,” he concluded. But I like playing with guys like that. […] We experienced a lot of adversity and disappointments in the playoffs. We went far without managing to get our hands on the trophy. This year, I really believe that we have the group to go all the way. »
1684624667
#Golden #Knights #mission #Nicolas #Roy
