A few weeks ago, there were discussions from ESPN writers about the “Mount Rushmores” of certain states’ sports teams, and Colorado has two obvious athletes that would make the cut in Todd Helton and John Elway.
But for the face that would represent the Avalanche, one of the options should be Patrick Roy, who is arguably one of the best goalies in National Hockey League history with more than 2,500 saves and a career save percentage of .910 throughout his 20 years in the league. He also has won four Stanley Cups and after this season should add another award to his trophy case: coach of the year.
The Avalanche were one of the worst teams in the NHL last year with a record of 16-25-7 and finished dead last, not only in the Western Conference but also in their Central Division. Colorado really struggled to maintain a dominant place in the state’s sports market as it has been overshadowed by Peyton Manning and the Broncos, as well as the Nuggets, which before this season were annually in the playoffs.
The old Stanley Cup days were long gone and the Avalanche declined in popularity and performance, but one change this past offseason had them back in the headlines with the announcement of Roy as head coach.
That sparked outside interest in the team and sparked a flame in the team.
Under Roy, the Avalanche finished this season 52-22-8 and atop the conference and division. The team’s record this year was better than the reigning champions Chicago Blackhawks and was one of the best in the league.
Watching the Avalanche this year, fans saw more fire and passion from the team. And they were reminded why Roy was so successful as a player, because in his first game as coach he almost knocked down the barrier between the Avalanche’s and Ducks’ bench during. He was fined $10,000 but his passion for winning was something that Colorado needed. That sent the message everyone was hoping for: Roy has the team’s back and wants to win.
Not only did the Avalanche put Roy in charge of the team on the bench, they promoted another legend in Joe Sakic to the role of Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. The duo used the first pick in the draft very wisely and signed Nathan Mackinnon. The combination of Paul Stastny, Matt Duchene and Nathan Mackinnon as well as a strong coach helped Colorado return to the playoffs where it holds a 2-1 lead over Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs
Roy lit a fire under the team that propelled them back into the playoffs with eyes set on a deep playoff run. He should be coach of the year.
The only question that remains is the one Av’s fans have been saying since the playoffs began: Why not us?
ph553412@ohiou.edu
@PaulHolden33
