Anthony Duclair Taking 'Time Off' from Islanders After Roy Ripped 'God-Awful' Effort

After New York Islanders winger Anthony Duclair was ripped by head coach Patrick Roy for showing "god-awful" effort in Tuesday night's loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, he won't be on the ice for a while.

Roy told reporters on Thursday that he and Duclair had "a very good conversation" in which the 29-year-old asked to "take some time off and reflect." The team agreed to "give him all the time that he needs."

Duclair spent long stretches on the bench and finished with just 12:15 of ice time in Tuesday's loss, and Roy didn't hold back his thoughts after the game.

"He was god-awful. He was god-awful. He had a bad game. That's why I didn't play him a lot. And he's lucky to be in the lineup. Sorry if I lose it on him right now, but that's how I feel," Roy said, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski.

When asked why Duclair's ice time was cut, Roy said it was "an effort thing" and added: "He's not skating. He's not competing. He's not moving his feet. He's not playing up to what we expect from him."

An 11-year veteran, Duclair is in his first season with the Islanders. In 44 games, he has recorded seven goals and four assists for 11 points, well below his typical level of production.

Perhaps some time away from the ice can help Duclair get back on track. The Islanders (32-32-10) must start building momentum to stay alive in the race for a wild-card spot.