Patrick Roy made a rare, unnoticed appearance at the Bell Centre, coinciding with nearly 29 years since his last game with the Canadiens. Fans were eager to see Patrik Laine, who impressed with his performance, scoring a goal during a power play that reignited the crowd. While the game lacked highlights, Samuel Montembeault delivered standout moments. Despite the Islanders’ mediocrity, Canadiens fans remain hopeful for a brighter future, thanks to their promising prospects.
Patrick Roy’s Unnoticed Appearance at the Bell Centre
On Tuesday night, an unusual sight unfolded at the Bell Centre as Patrick Roy’s presence went largely unnoticed by the audience, a rare occurrence indeed.
Interestingly, some media outlets highlighted that his visit almost coincided with the 29th anniversary of his final game in a Canadiens uniform. However, there comes a time when it’s essential to move forward and let the past remain in the past.
Both Patrick and Mario have chosen to leave the past behind and no longer wish to dwell on it. They’ve made peace and are ready to look ahead.
The Need for Stars Among Canadiens Fans
During the game between the Canadiens and the Islanders, fans filled the Bell Centre, eager to witness Patrik Laine in action. Many had only seen him perform for four periods during the preseason.
This eagerness signals a longing for a marquee player within the Canadiens organization. Each move from the tall Finnish forward was met with enthusiastic reactions from the crowd. Despite being cautioned not to set their expectations too high for a player returning from nearly a year off, Laine delivered an impressive performance.
His adrenaline surely played a role, especially after a lackluster first period and a slow start to the second. Laine ignited the crowd with his first goal in the Canadiens’ blue, white, and red, which came during a power play.
From the press box, the play unfolded beautifully. As Lane Hutson’s pass found its way to Laine in the faceoff circle, it was clear what he intended to do. The puck seemed to have a mind of its own, finding the net with precision.
Interestingly, one could sense a touch of inspiration from Brother André, the miraculous saint of Mount Royal, whom Laine and his partner had visited the day prior.
Laine’s goal was met with a thunderous ovation typically reserved for the league’s elite. Even Cole Caufield has yet to experience such cheers. When a player of Laine’s scoring ability finds the back of the net, the crowd’s excitement is palpable, shaking the very foundations of the arena.
Caufield too will receive such admiration soon, especially given his remarkable scoring streak this season. However, the spotlight last night was firmly on Laine, who basked in a second roaring ovation when he was named the first star of the game. Montreal fans, like those in any city, have a deep appreciation for star players donning the blue, white, and red.
As for the remainder of the night, the crowd had limited highlights, though that’s not entirely accurate. Samuel Montembeault channeled his inner Patrick Roy several times, leaving fans in awe of his performances.
It’s worth noting that the Islanders aren’t significantly stronger than the Canadiens. While Roy brings experience to the Islanders’ bench, he can’t perform miracles with a team averaging 29.6 years in age. The Islanders, mirroring their general manager Lou Lamoriello, are rather unremarkable.
In contrast, the Canadiens can hold onto hope for brighter days, bolstered by their promising roster of prospects.