from Jack Todd at the Montreal Gazzete,

You know the story. How Roy, facing the Detroit Red Wings at the Forum, gave up five goals on 17 shots in the first period. How petulant head coach Mario Tremblay (looking to humiliate his superstar in the latest chapter of their personal feud) left Roy in until he had given up nine goals before replacing him with Pat Jablonski. How Roy came off the ice and marched straight to team president Ronald Corey behind the Canadiens’ bench to declare that he had played his last game for Montreal. Four days later, on a tragic anniversary of a very different sort, Roy was traded to the Colorado Avalanche.

If there was a moment that marked the definitive end of the Canadiens’ dynasty, that was it. Ever since, it seems, we have been waiting for the return of Roy the saviour — and it seems we’re still waiting....

Asked about Roy at his presser, Gorton replied: “I’ve heard of him, yes.”

Gorton will need that sense of humour, because he will keep hearing of Roy. The one-time superstar made sure of that with a bit of unseemly public campaigning for the GM’s job.

“Since 1993, the team has been running in circles,” Roy said. “What do they have to lose by giving me a chance and seeing what I can do with this club?”

The short answer is: They have everything to lose. Roy is Roy. He is the greatest money goaltender who ever played the game. He is also incandescent, mercurial, hot-tempered, arrogant, abrasive, impatient, impetuous and impossible.

I have nothing but respect and affection for Roy. He is quick-witted and often brilliant. He offers something beyond the usual clichés. Once this team is ready to compete, I would consider Roy for the coaching job. His fiery temperament and ability to think outside the box could turn around an underachieving contender — but this is not the time.

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