“Very proud of our guys,” Sean Monahan spoils Patrick Roy’s return to Montreal as Islanders fall 3-4 against Canadiens at Bell Centre

Montreal fans honor Patrick Roy’s return to Bell Centre with loud ovation, cheers, and banner hoisting.

“Very proud of our guys,” Sean Monahan spoils Patrick Roy’s return to Montreal as Islanders fall 3-4 against Canadiens at Bell Centre

Sean Monahan and Patrick Roy [Image Credit: The Athletic/Imago]

Patrick Roy’s winning streak gets halted by Sean Monahan as Montreal Canadiens center boosts team to 4-3 victory against New York Islanders. With 2:12 remaining in the 3rd period, Monahan scored the ultimate goal leading the Habs to win against the team of their legendary player on Thursday.

Since replacing Lane Lambert as Islanders coach, Roy’s record remains 1-2-0 as of now. During the game, Monahan got 2 goals, with Nick Suzuki backing them up with a goal and an assist. 

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Bo Horvat, Matthew Barzal, and Kyle Palmieri scored power-play goals with Noah Dobson assisting on all three for the Islanders. Although they tied the score with 2 PP goals, the Canadiens broke free with Monahan’s high shot. Dobson later spoke on the Canadiens honoring Roy and how they would have liked to win the game for him,

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He’s a legend here, so very well deserving. It’s unfortunate we weren’t able to come away with the win for the team and him.
Noah Dobson as per NHL.com.

“Built a legacy in this league,” Patrick Roy receives loud ovation from Canadiens fan

Despite losing the match 3-4 against the Montreal Canadiens, Patrick Roy complimented his team for putting in 100% effort. “I was very proud of our guys,” Roy said. Prior to the game, the Canadiens honored Roy with an ovation and video tribute for the HOF goalie.

Patrick Roy honored by Montreal Canadiens [Image Credit: X]
Patrick Roy honored by Montreal Canadiens [Image Credit: X]

Roy, who won the Stanley Cup twice with the Canadiens, is practically a living legend for them. Bo Horvat said that he’s never “heard the building ever that loud” as the fans roared in delight to see their favorite goalie back in NHL action. “It was pretty incredible to witness,” Horvat stated. 

Regardless, the Hall of Fame goalie did not want this moment to be about him but to keep focus on the game. “I just want to focus on our game…we’re here to win a hockey game.” Roy made his appearance at Bell Centre just hours prior to the game, as he wanted to keep the team out of commotions and celebrations. However, he could not shy away from the love the fans showered on him, as he shyly waved his hand acknowledging the crowd.

It was real nice of them, what they did…They’re good fans, and they love their team…I’m thankful for that.
Patrick Roy as per NHL.com.

Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis said how they “all admire and idolize him”. “He was kind of the backbone of the franchise,” and “all the kids growing up here” respect him.

The Canadiens played a video tribute for him during the “O, Canada” anthem. They showed sweet moments of him on the ice, winning the Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup, with Patrick Roy’s No.33 rising to the rafters. Prior to his trade to the Colorado Avalanche in 1995, he was deeply integrated as a part of the Canadiens.

It has been a while since Roy returned to Montreal, the last being in 2015. He returned first as an Avs goalie, then for his number retirement, as Avs coach, and finally now as NY Islanders coach. No matter which team he is involved with, the fans are delighted to just see him back in action. They’ll be waiting for the next time they get to see him behind the benches, and hopefully there for a long time.

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