Many times, Anders Lee knew something needed to be said. So, the captain would say something, either collectively to his teammates or one-on-one.
Friday was one of those moments for the Islanders, who have lost two straight heading into the middle match of a three-game series with the Flyers on Saturday night at Nassau Coliseum.
But Lee, of course, is not available having suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Islanders needed another voice.
Coach Barry Trotz wants that to be one of the players. But, on Friday, he spoke up.
"Leesy is such a great leader, he drags everybody," Trotz said after Friday’s practice at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.