It’s been a while since my last column, so I just wanted to take the time now to bid a fond adieu to one of the great villains of my generation. He will always be our enemy. When he was on his game no one was more fearsome or maddeningly frustrating; and when he was off, we cheered and taunted as if it were a personal triumph. He was cocky and brash, repulsively selfish, comically obnoxious, and fiercely competitive—but yet he was still responsible for some of the most significant moments of the past decade. Love him or hate him, respect him or fear him, his impact is undeniable.
I’m talking, of course, about Saddam Hussein.
What? Did you think I was talking about Patrick Roy? Puh-leeze! As if anyone, never mind a Ranger fan, could love him, or respect him, or have a nice thing to say about him period. I’d rather chew broken glass. I’d rather have my genitals caught in the side door of a ’76 Impala. I’d rather get an enema from a silverback gorilla, or watch an endless loop of highlights from Luc Robitaille’s Rangers career (which are almost the same thing, if you think about it). Heck, I’d rather watch the 2003 Stanley Cup Finals than write a warm and fuzzy column about the retirement of Patrick Roy.
So if you’re a big fan of the bloated backstop looking for another article that lauds the butterflying blowhard, if you’re looking for another fluff piece that spits back all his wonderful stats like they’re 50 Cent lyrics, or if you are in fact Patrick Roy and you just happened to stumble onto the Hockeybird site looking for a happy ending to your two-day ego massage, I suggest you read no further. Because I can’t think of a single nice thing to say about the guy.
And why should I? After all, I’m a Rangers fan, and the legend of St. Patrick began in the hallowed halls of my hometown arena when, as a rookie backstop, he single-handedly derailed Bob Brooke and the Blueshirt juggernaut, a team of destiny if there ever was one, back in 1986. The fallout from that series, with Roy eventually going on to his first Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe trophy, sent the Rangers into a complete tailspin and tore the heart right out from what could have been a great hockey team. Deflating Madison Square Garden put Patrick Roy on the map and etched his name into annals of misery and frustration that comes with being a Rangers fan. Maybe he wasn’t Denis Potvin or Ron Hextall or Mario Lemieux, but bring his name up at a Rangers fan forum and be prepared to duck bags of urine and flaming mounds of “Ulanov pâté.”
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Patrick Roy will never be synonymous with words like classy, gracious, or humble—all words that usually propel a talented and successful superstar athlete into the pantheon of sports legend. My personal opinion on Roy is that he was a guy that denied destiny; he was that final hurdle that the underdog couldn’t overcome. Take, for example, 1993, when Roy denied Wayne Gretzky the chance to superheroically cap what was arguably the greatest individual playoff performance in all of sports. The entire hockey world was pulling for The Great One, now an underdog, to win his fifth Stanley Cup. All that stood in his way was Patrick Roy. And what could have been a pinnacle moment in hockey history never came to fruition. Another moment where destiny was shown the five hole but quickly denied. Another promising franchise demoralized by a mountain of equipment, tight angles, and spectacular form. All in a seven-game-series’ work for St. Patrick.
But the story of Patrick Roy doesn’t end with a goalie that was just that friggin’ good. It wasn’t enough. He had to let you about it too. His talent was superceded only by his ego. He wasn’t just a guy that you loved to hate, he was a guy that you had to hate, unless you like the movies where the rich braggart gets the girl or the courageous gunfighter gets shot by the man in black. How much of a jerk was he? His classic “I can’t hear him because I have my Stanley Cup rings in my ears” was directed at Jeremy Roenick. Is there another man on the planet that can make you feel bad for Jeremy Roenick? He would eventually add two more rings to go with the ones in his ears. If you're like me you would have liked to see one shoved in his mouth and the other plugged up his ass.
Was he really that unlikable? I don’t know. He grated me enough as a fan that I stopped paying attention altogether. To me he was the NHL’s answer to Madonna—a person I never liked despite what he said or did and through time I’ve learned to ignore. History will speak of his Conn Smythes and his Vezinas and his remarkable records, but will it forget what an utter bastard the guy could be? It’s seldom mentioned that he was a proud French Canadian playing goalie for his hometown Montreal—one of the most magical positions in all of sports—and yet he became so alienated from both the town and the team that he not only demanded a trade but the city itself was happy to see him go. Imagine Mickey Mantle asking off the Yankees, or Larry Bird refusing to play for the Celtics. Then there was his humble decline to play for Team Canada in the 2002 Olympics—a seeming lay-up opportunity to line his trophy case with more gold—that was rumored to be a personality conflict after not being appointed the starting goalie fast enough. And was there ever a greater case of poetic justice than the infamous Statue of Liberty goal in last season’s playoffs? That game was ironically followed by a complete Game Seven meltdown, ending the season for Petr Forsberg and the 2002 Avalanche, another team of destiny derailed by Patrick Roy.
It speaks volumes about the reputation of a player when he announces his planned retirement, to no one’s surprise, and the initial reaction outside the immediate world of fawning lickspits is that he once again found a way to upstage the Stanley Cup with his own aggrandizement, even though I would suggest that his announcement was prompted by the NHL in an attempt to bring attention, any attention, to the game itself. And what about his retirement press conference? The greatest goaltender in the history of hockey, surrounded by head coach Tony Granato and his teammates Joe Sakic, Mike Keane, and Brad Larsen. Brad Larsen? Was that the best they could do? Couldn’t they bus in some former Habs like Stephane Richter or Guy Carbonneau? Brad Larsen? Was Paul DiPietro or Ed Ronan unavailable? Didn’t the guy make any friends along the way?
Yes, this is an unfair and totally biased retelling of an otherwise storied career, and it comes from a source still bitter and jealous of the accomplishment of one man. But Patrick Roy was just not a likeable figure, and the fact that he didn’t seem to mind made him all the more unlikeable. When someday I’m asked to name the greatest goaltender I’ve ever seen, Dominik Hasek will immediately come to mind. And when Martin Brodeur, a villain in his own right, bests all of Roy’s records, a slight schadenfreudic grin might creep across my face. And if asked to give account of the career of Patrick Roy, I’ll say this: insanely talented, wildly successful, fiercely competitive, total prick. That's my memory of Patrick Roy.
Posted by Brian at May 29, 2003 03:57 PMeMail this entry!
I hated Patrick since '86. He just killed my hopes that year. But I can't deny his brilliant play.
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who hated this guy.
----}-
Posted by: Bird on May 30, 2003 11:14 AMCAN'T STAND HIM. Never believed the hush-up story about the domestic abuse, and heard him say one night after a loss that it was the d's fault, "me, myself, I played very well". - maggi
Posted by: maggi on May 30, 2003 01:06 PMGreat article Leedsy. You definitely have a talent for this. This is an article worthy of a Rushdin type SI column(of course you'd have to clean it up a little). Nice.
Paul
WOW!
Posted by: Tina on June 2, 2003 10:29 PMLOL!!! That was the fucking funniest thing I think I have ever read!
Posted by: Jim on June 3, 2003 02:47 PMI've had the unfortunate curse of meeting patty and his scum bag sons...I cant agree with this article more, i hate the roys and everything they stand for. "greatest goalie?" COME ON, my way of looking at it is this: He wasnt a good goalie, its just that all the players hated him so much that when they shot the puck, they TRIED to hit him.
Lets just pray that we never hear from that freak again.
Andy
PS. If anyone wants to trash roy, Email me lol its always fun...theycallmeandy19@aol.com
Posted by: Andy on June 4, 2003 01:40 AMSt. Patrick is easy to hate. Of course, as a Devils fan, I have been spoiled by watching Marty Brodeur all these years, so I know a great goalie when I see one. In every stat except overtime wins (as you Smurfs well know), Marty is on track to demolish Patrick.
It is truly the era of the French-Canadian goalie. Roy's 1986 run becmae a key moment in the history of Marty, Lalime, Jiggy and others whose names we have yet to commit to memory.
At the Devs Game 5 last night, I was sitting in the arena with a buddy discussing this article and Roy's prowess. He played with some great teams, but he also took some so-so teams pretty far. The 1993 Canadiens were not one for the record books.
Of course, I despise him for wrecking the Devs Stanley Cup hopes in 2001. We had the Avs on the ropes, the prick stood us all on end. He could steal a game and a series. He did that year, with the help of the Power Of Bourque.
It is funny, though, to read anything written by a Rangers fan that spits such venom at Roy. Save the hate for the Dolans. If anyone has earned the spite of Rangers fans, it's the dumb human ATM machine at the top. Patrick is a sideshow compared to the dumbass owners.
Bob
PS: How do you like Holik? Now you know what Devs fans knew all along -- he's great in the playoffs, but invisible November to March. Since the Rangers are playoff-inhibited, good luck seeing more than 15 goals a year out of him. BTW- the Devils don't miss him at all!
Posted by: Bob in Jersey on June 6, 2003 02:34 PMYour a jerk, not Patrick, Patrick is the coolest goalie in the NHL! Patrick changed hockey (goal tending), he has won four stanley cups, hes a lot nicer than you think he is...in fact I would rather eat glass and be locked inside a room with 10,000,000 bombs than say anything mean about Patrick Roy...and I dont know how you could...and by the way, the word for "TOTAL JERK" in french is "secousse totale"..and I think that dicribes you very well...:)
Posted by: Janai on June 6, 2003 02:50 PMHe was no Tom Barrasso - I'll tell you that!!!
Posted by: Dave on September 11, 2003 03:53 PMSt. Roy is full of shit. I hope a golf ball hits him while he is enjoying his retirement and he dies. sure he is a good golie. but he thinks he is god. for sure, without a dout, there are golies, that are un-noticed that can put Roy and every one lese to shame. I HAVE SOME NEW FOR YOU JACK ASS. YOUR NUTTIN BUT A FRENCH PEPPER WHO GOT LUCKY!!!!
Posted by: Joe on October 25, 2003 03:35 PMSt. Roy is full of shit. I hope a golf ball hits him while he is enjoying his retirement and he dies. sure he is a good golie. but he thinks he is god. for sure, without a dout, there are golies, that are un-noticed that can put Roy and every one lese to shame. I HAVE SOME NEW FOR YOU JACK ASS. YOUR NUTTIN BUT A FRENCH PEPPER WHO GOT LUCKY!!!!
Posted by: Joe on October 25, 2003 03:36 PMSt. Roy is full of shit. I hope a golf ball hits him while he is enjoying his retirement and he dies. sure he is a good golie. but he thinks he is god. for sure, without a dout, there are golies, that are un-noticed that can put Roy and every one lese to shame. I HAVE SOME NEW FOR YOU JACK ASS. YOUR NUTTIN BUT A FRENCH PEPPER WHO GOT LUCKY!!!!
Posted by: Joe M on October 25, 2003 03:40 PMYou are obviously a jerk with no humility to write such lies about such an awesome goalie. You obvisouly have no life, other than to write false rumors about men a million times better than you. Patrick was the best goalie who ever played hockey, is, and will be!
Posted by: Anna V on October 28, 2003 10:49 PMyou stupid fucks dont know what your talking about, Patrick Roy was the greatest goalie when he left and he still would be if he came back. Marty Brodeur fuckin sux playiong with the powerhouse defensive play of the New Jersey devils all his career. Patrick Roy is the best goaltender and you bitches are just jelous.
Posted by: Patrick on November 4, 2003 04:20 AMyou stupid fucks dont know what your talking about, Patrick Roy was the greatest goalie when he left and he still would be if he came back. Marty Brodeur fuckin sux playing with the powerhouse defensive play of the New Jersey devils all his career. Patrick Roy is the best goaltender and you bitches are just jelous.
Posted by: Patrick on November 4, 2003 04:20 AMyou stupid fucks dont know what your talking about, Patrick Roy was the greatest goalie when he left and he still would be if he came back. Marty Brodeur fuckin sux playing with the powerhouse defensive play of the New Jersey devils all his career. Patrick Roy is the best goaltender and you bitches are just jelous.
Posted by: Patrick on November 4, 2003 04:20 AMyou stupid fucks dont know what your talking about, Patrick Roy was the greatest goalie when he left and he still would be if he came back. Marty Brodeur fuckin sux playing with the powerhouse defensive play of the New Jersey devils all his career. Patrick Roy is the best goaltender and you bitches are just jelous. get a fuckin life and quit bad mouthing this god compare to you fucks.
Posted by: Patrick on November 4, 2003 04:22 AMIf you had a fraction of the talent for writing that St.Patrick had for goal tending, then it wouldn't have taken me half the year to find and read this drivel. But then, what knowledgeable input about winning or winners would you expect from a Rangers fan?
Posted by: Forrest on December 9, 2003 02:32 PMLet's also not forget he beats his wife...
Posted by: Martin Smith on December 12, 2003 12:20 AMLet's also not forget he beats his wife...
Posted by: Martin Smith on December 12, 2003 12:20 AMLet's also not forget he beats his wife...
Posted by: Martin Smith on December 12, 2003 12:23 AMYou have no fucking clue what you're saying. Only someone who knew him personally would be able to ascertain what you're assuming. And whats wrong with the way you think he is anyway. You think he got into the NHL by being a pussy? And what the hell with this playoff shit wah wah wah you want him to let Gretzky win. Wow that makes sense lets rig the damn game to make you happy. LOL im from a place where hockey is huge and ive never heard something that got me goin like this........since no goal
Posted by: Joe on January 5, 2004 09:33 PMYou have no fucking clue what you're saying. Only someone who knew him personally would be able to ascertain what you're assuming. And whats wrong with the way you think he is anyway. You think he got into the NHL by being a pussy? And what the hell with this playoff shit wah wah wah you want him to let Gretzky win. Wow that makes sense lets rig the damn game to make you happy. LOL im from a place where hockey is huge and ive never heard something that got me goin like this........since no goal
Posted by: Joe on January 5, 2004 09:35 PMYou have no fucking clue what you're saying. Only someone who knew him personally would be able to ascertain what you're assuming. And whats wrong with the way you think he is anyway. You think he got into the NHL by being a pussy? And what the hell with this playoff shit wah wah wah you want him to let Gretzky win. Wow that makes sense lets rig the damn game to make you happy. LOL im from a place where hockey is huge and ive never heard something that got me goin like this........since no goal
Posted by: Joe on January 5, 2004 09:36 PMyou are the best you are the best golie ever you rock.
Posted by: Brendan on January 10, 2004 05:39 PMi stumbled along this board while doing a essay for school. All i have to say is "ROY = KING". You should all be ashamed for trying to diss the greatest goaltender EVER.
Posted by: caylin on May 14, 2004 11:06 AMYou stupid fucks. Patrick is one of the best, if not the greatest, goalie in history.
Honestly, if youre wasting your time writing shit about this legacy, you need to get a life. And a new favorite hockey team. Rangers SUCK.
Posted by: Kat on May 28, 2004 02:02 PMhahahahahahahahaha....Oh man...sorry I can barely see Im laughing so hard. Jeez man, such hatred and animosity towards someone you dont even know. I have a feeling it has less to do with the fact that hes a jerk and more to do with the fact that you wish Roy had been the Rangers goalie.
You are as bad as all the lame-o's who boo Peter Forsberg everytime he touches the puck. Jealousy is an evil thing, and its first symptom is denial.
Roy left behind a legacy, and even if/when someone beats his records. No one will ever forget the LEGEND. No matter how much you wish the 4 cups he won had been with your team.
Hockey is all that much better just because of him, but its fans like you who always have to have SOMETHING to complain about, even in the greatest goalie of all time, that bring the sport down. Honestly he RETIRED, get over it!! Why dont you try being happy for a change, maybe for once youre bloated salary will yield some results!
Posted by: kyle on July 28, 2004 01:56 PMYou sir are a complete idiot. You talk about a greatest goaltender of all time like he is a piece of shit. Well I`ll tell you that you are not a hockey fan if you think like that about Patrick Roy-the living legend of net minding.
So please stop writing shit like that just becouse you are jelous at him and you don`t know anything about hockey.
I am an Avs fan and I cheer for other players to, not only for my team and why do I cheer for them, becouse I am a hockey FAN and you sir are an idiot (again said).
Patrick Roy set new standards for future goalies and if you think he is a jerk then you have no rights to make any comments about hockey at all, in fact you mustn`t even watch hockey any more becouse you don`t even know who is good and who is bad player.
Talking about Roy this way is like you would say that Khabibulin is a bad goalie just becouse he helped The Lightnings to win the cup.
Anyway you IDIOT must not watch hockey anymore becouse you are to jelous to watch all the good players in the NHL and then you will write some more crap like the one above.
ROY IS THE GREATEST GOALIE EVER!!!
Posted by: Avslova on July 29, 2004 08:53 PMLet me get this straight...Roy was a bad goalie just because he was so good he didn't let your team or your hero player win? Umm... I'm glad he played real hockey and didn't participate in the Miss America pageant you apparently wanted. Let Gresky score on purpose! Oh, please!
Posted by: Stephanie on July 30, 2004 02:41 AMdear patrick,
i liked it when you played hockey do you think you are going to play again somday.
Megan
I'm doing a research paper on the greatest goalie of all time (Patrick Roy), and I happened to stumble across your site. You are a FUCKING DUMBASS and deserve to be beat with a hockey stick. He was, and will always remain, the best goaltender of all time.
Posted by: snowman on November 29, 2004 07:12 PMOk I really don't care about what this big star of the journalism think about Patrick Roy but when I saw all those lies i don't have any choices , I have to talk about the Montreal years of Saint-Patrick because i'm a french canadian guy.In 1986 we were not in the ten bests teams of the league, the only reason why we won is Patrick Roy. In 1993 the team won 10 playoffs because the team was mediocre but under pression he was the greatest. He quits Montreal because he hated Mario Trenblay, who was a really bad head coach. When he had a chance to quit, he took the best decision for his carreer and we got Jocelyn Thibault, Martin Rucinsky and Andrei Kovalenko. No comments. Thibault, Moog and Hackett, none of them were loved because in Montreal, hockey is the most important thing in a world and Patrick gave two stanley cups to the people. Patrick have a big ego and what happened with his wife didn't surprized me because he's an impulsive but she's not perfect she had sex with Mathieu Schneider ten years ago when Schneider was his teammate. Why did you think he has quit Montreal? Roy is again with her!!! I can't say if he'"s a good husband but i can say he was the greatest athlete under pression. Scuse me for the bad english
Posted by: Mike Royer on January 2, 2005 02:26 AM
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