Patrick Roy may have been let go by them, but he’s still cheering for them.
One of the most dominant goalkeepers in NHL history, Patrick Roy, took part in an interview today. The interview took place alongside long time NHL Columnist, Dave Stubbs. It revolved around the team Roy resigned from in 2016, the WC Champion Colorado Avalanche.
Playing career
Roy, who spend 8 seasons in Denver, became a solid core piece on the 2001 Cup Championship team. He was brought over after 12 years North of the Border, spending most of it with Montreal. However, some issues within the organization made Roy want out. He got dealt to Colorado. Patrick finished his Colorado career with almost 300 wins, a Conn Smythe, an All-Star selection along with a Jennings Trophy. He came back to Colorado after retirement as their head coach in 2013, but only lasted 3 seasons. He got into some antics on the bench, but ultimately resigned right before his 4th season.
Interview Quotes
Speaking with Stubbs today, Roy had this to say –
“I am an Avalanche fan, seriously,” said Roy, the former Colorado goalie and coach. “I have so much respect for ‘Landy’ (captain Gabriel Landeskog) and Nate (MacKinnon). “It was a privilege coaching those guys. Joe (Sakic, the Avalanche general manager) gave me the opportunity. I have so much respect for Joe. He’s been doing a very good job, building that team, putting it together.”
Roy also stated this –
“I think the guys are hungry and knowing Landy and Nate, they’re going to make sure their guys are ready,” Roy said. “There’s no doubt in my mind that they will. Landeskog is a really good captain. He’s a phenomenal leader, he plays a 200-foot game, he has a really solid head on his shoulders and I’m sure he’ll make sure his teammates are ready.
“I’m speaking from experience, I worked with him for three years there. He was already the leader of the team then … smart, making good decisions, capable of talking to the guys. Now he’s even more experienced. And MacKinnon, when he gets on his horse and flies, my God, he’s fun to watch.
“I’m sure they’re on a mission, like we were in 2001 for Ray. It’s impressive. I’m happy for the fans in Denver and I’m happy for Joe, he’s been doing a very good job. I’m just going to put my feet up and watch it on TV. It’s going to be fun. The Final will be great hockey and it will be great for the game.”
It’s awesome for the Avalanche to finally get to the Cup Final after rebuilding for what seemed like forever. Guys like Landeskog and MacKinnon have been though almost everything, and they finally get their shot at Lord Stanley. Furthermore, it’s Colorado’s first shot at a Stanley Cup in 21 years – since they last won it. Nevertheless, Avs fans are super excited to hopefully bring the cup back to CO.
One last quote from Patrick Roy reads –
“So, I texted Joe and wished him good luck,” he said. “I told him ‘You guys are fun to watch. This is very entertaining. The people in Denver are very lucky to have such a great team, and a team that is exciting to watch.'”
No matter who wins the East Finals – Rangers or Lightning, it’s going to be a fast paced, high-octane Stanley Cup series. However, look for teams to not make mistakes as the stakes are higher. I that I think everyone should want to watch – hockey fan or not.
All stats provided in this article came from hockey-reference.com
