Patrick Roy was always a fiery goaltender over the course of his Hall of Fame career. Judging from his first game as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, he’ll bring that same intensity to the bench.
According to USA Today, Roy was fined $10,000 for his actions at the end of last night's 6-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. Unhappy with what he perceived as an illegal knee-to-knee hit from the Ducks Ben Lovejoy on Avs rookie (and No. 1 overall draft pick) Nathan MacKinnon, Roy could be seen exchanging words from his bench with Ducks player Corey Perry at the conclusion of the game. When Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau approached the glass partition separating the two teams, Roy grew even more inflamed, banging on the partition and nearly tipping it over.
“Roy's actions at the conclusion of the game were irresponsible," the NHL's senior executive vice president of hockey operations said, according to USA Today. "One of the responsibilities of an NHL coach is to help (defuse) volatile situations on the bench."
"This is the policy, and I understand it now, but at the same time, I will always defend my players,” Roy said in response to the fine. He also took issue with Boudreau’s comments that “(He’s) going to be in for a long year, if he’s going to yell at every player and yell at the refs at every stoppage of play.”
"During the game, I don't talk to players," Roy said. "I respect all players."
For their part, Avalanche players seemed inspired, even amused by their coach’s temperament.
“The end was pretty funny. I was dying.” Avs center Matt Duchene told the Denver Post.
