The Great Montreal Amnesia Of 2008

So, Patrick Roy, the greatest big game goaltender in the history of the league, gets his Jersey retired last month in Montreal.  It really has taken me this long to process this event.

I accept that I was the only knucklehead that was confused by the glitz and glamour at this event, so, I feel the need to explain my position.

Patrick Roy undoubtedly is the greatest goalie to walk on a sheet of NHL ice. And before you Devils fans start a mass hate-mail campaign against me, I would like to explain this.

The man won Stanley Cups on two teams. Two VASTLY different teams in two conferences. Marty "The One Man Party" Brodeur has won cups on ONE TEAM. And most of Brodeur's success came with this impervious defense in front of him. It was pretty easy to keep your save percentage up when you're protected by the neutral zone trap and planting sleeping pills in the opposing teams water bottles. Sure, Brodeur has had continued success in the new NHL, but not compared to his success pre-lockout.

With that said, this post is about Roy, not Brodeur.

Patrick Roy...I remember seeing him play in both uniforms, and even when he had bad days, he still sparkled as a goalie. 

Now, Montreal should never have honored him. At least not in the grand manner they did. Look, I know its the 100th anniversary of the team, and I know that the entire city has lost its collective mind, but certain things just can't be forgiven nor forgotten.

Patrick Roy, after having a major, public argument with his coach demanded a trade off the only team that he's ever known in the Winter of 1995. Mario Tremblay, as unqualified as he was, would not take Roy's preening nature and egotism. That's what the fight was about. Patrick Roy played the star card and got his trade.

Keep in mind that this was during the PRIME OF ROY'S CAREER. Keep in mind that Roy went on to win two Stanley cups with Colorado. Also keep in mind that the Canadiens have not advance passed the second round of the playoffs since that trade! 

Let me put it into terms that New Yorkers can understand. If Mike Richter demanded a trade in, say, 1996 to, lets say, the Red Wings, and won a couple of championships with them, while the Rangers didn't even make the playoffs, would Richter's number be hanging in the rafters at MSG?

I doubt it.

Here's another piece of info for you, another tick, if you will, against Roy. The Colorado Avalanche, the team Roy was traded to, was formerly known as the Quebec Nordiques. They shared a province in the most hockey-mad part of Canada.

Wake up Montreal. Time to get real. If I were you, I would hold a friggin' protest or a riot or something about that.