Thoughtful Patrick Roy Declines To Talk About Montreal In Return With Islanders

Roy doesn't want to discuss returning to Montreal. He cares about the Islanders winning the hockey game.

MONTREAL -- Patrick Roy wanted nothing to do with a "homecoming" when he spoke before puck drop between the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens.

The questions from the Montreal media (at least the one's in English) about his return to his home, from growing up in Quebec to donning the Canadiens red for 12 years to his latest stop with the Quebec Remparts, were met with the same answer.

"Today is not about me," Roy said. "It's about our team. It's a four-point game. And this is where the focus has to be. And that's what I said to the guys tonight. We're coming and whatever is going to happen before the I game, I really want to make sure that we're ready when the puck drops. 

"It's playoff hockey for us."

As for why it was so important for Roy to not let even a little bit of the moment seep into his day, his preparation especially when his picture is on the side of the Bell Centre and he has a jersey monument outside the arena. 

"Because it's about our team. I love these guys," Roy said. "Like I said to them, I was very happy about the first time I met them and how receptive they have been. So they deserve my respect.

"We're talking about our mindset, and these guys are are buying iin to what I'm trying, so my respect is very important to them."

But Roy, what about the fans of Montreal who still love you and still admire what he's done for the city and the franchise?

"I am sorry. I just wanted to focus on our team," Roy said. "I think everybody in Montreal knows how much I love them and how much respect I have for this organization. 

"But at the same time, we're here to win a hockey game."