Roy's style was characterized by his innovative use of the butterfly technique, which involved dropping to his knees to cover the lower part of the net while using his leg pads to block shots. This approach revolutionized goaltending and influenced countless future netminders. Throughout his tenure with the Canadiens, Roy was known for his intense focus and competitive nature, traits that contributed to his success on the ice.
During his time in Montreal, Roy won two more Vezina Trophies as the league's best goaltender in 1989 and 1990. He also added another Stanley Cup to his resume in 1993, once again earning the Conn Smythe Trophy. His performance in the 1993 playoffs was particularly memorable, as he led the Canadiens to 10 consecutive overtime victories, a record that still stands.
In December 1995, a dramatic turn of events led to Roy's departure from Montreal. After a public disagreement with then-coach Mario Tremblay, Roy was traded to the Colorado Avalanche. This move proved beneficial for both Roy and the Avalanche, as he continued to excel in his new environment. In his first season with Colorado, Roy helped the team secure its first Stanley Cup in 1996, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations.
Roy's tenure with the Avalanche was marked by continued excellence. He played a crucial role in leading the team to another Stanley Cup victory in 2001, once again earning the Conn Smythe Trophy. This made him the only player in NHL history to win the award three times. His leadership and skill were instrumental in establishing the Avalanche as a dominant force in the league during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Throughout his career, Roy was selected to the NHL All-Star Game on multiple occasions and was named to the NHL First All-Star Team four times. His ability to perform consistently at a high level earned him the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. Roy's career statistics are a testament to his skill and longevity, as he retired with 551 regular-season wins, a record at the time.
After retiring as a player in 2003, Roy transitioned to coaching and management. He became the head coach and general manager of the Quebec Remparts in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), leading the team to a Memorial Cup victory in 2006. His success in junior hockey paved the way for his return to the NHL as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche in 2013.
Roy's impact as a coach was immediate, as he guided the Avalanche to a division title in his first season behind the bench. He was awarded the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's coach of the year in 2014. Despite his success, Roy stepped down from his coaching position in 2016, citing differences in vision with the team's management.
Patrick Roy's career, both as a player and a coach, left an indelible mark on the sport of hockey.
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