One shaky game in goal, and critics were dismissing Patrick Roy as past his Stanley Cup prime. Colorado Avalanche coach Bob Hartley knew better. After allowing four goals in Colorado's series opener against the Los Angeles Kings, Roy has been stellar as the Avalanche move toward their third straight trip to the Western Conference finals. Roy, who holds the NHL records for regular-season and playoff victories, has shut out the Kings twice in three games and can close out Los Angeles in Game 5 on Friday night. He's in a zone.
Any athlete is human.
Mark McGwire doesn't always hit a home run. Roger Clemens doesn't always throw a strike. Patrick Roy, unfortunately, doesn't always make a save, but when he's in his zone, you need a bullet to go by him. While the Avalanche are poised to make another trip to the finals, Los Angeles coach Andy Murray is clinging to the belief his team is on the brink of success, as well. After the Kings' third straight loss to Colorado, Murray projected confidence as the series headed east.