Hockey

Three goals in two games: Joshua Roy gets his season off to a flying start
Vincent Larue
Three goals in two games: Joshua Roy gets his season off to a flying start
Credit: Getty Images

Cut from the Canadiens a few days ago, it didn't take long for Joshua Roy to remind us why his name is still in the conversation in Montreal. The Québécois forward is off to a fine start with the Laval Rocket, scoring twice this afternoon in his team's opening 5-2 win over the Manitoba Moose. With three goals in two games, Roy seems to have taken his demotion as a personal mission. Withdrawn because the Canadiens wanted to see more from him on the ice, the young forward responded in the best possible way: by filling the back of the net. During the Canadiens' camp, the coaching staff had been clear. Roy had to offer more without the puck, be consistent in his retreats and demonstrate that he could sustain an NHL pace on a regular basis. Offensively, no one doubted his abilities. Since his arrival in Laval, the message seems to have gotten through, despite his -1 record. Roy is playing with intensity, working in practice and regaining the confidence that made him a dominant player in recent seasons. His three goals since the start of the new campaign are proof of this, and his first powerplay goal today shows that he's no longer just a peripheral player.

Roy isn't back with the Canadiens yet, but if he continues at this pace, sooner or later he'll force the organization's hand and move up the pecking order for a recall. In addition to Roy, Laurent Dauphin, Sean Farrell and Owen Beck also found the back of the net. Veteran goalkeeper Kaapo Kähkönen made 25 saves in the victory. Honorable mention to Laurent Dauphin for his three points and to Alex Belzile for his two assists in this first victory. The Rocket will play its opening game next Friday at Place Bell, and it will be yet another opportunity for Joshua Roy to demonstrate all his talent and, above all, his progress in front of his own fans.

'Overtime'

– He's only three short.

-A return to action for Sonny Milano after more than a year away.

– This move may mean Cam York could miss the next game.

-The Devils already have an injured player.

-Two minutes that could cost the Canadiens dearly.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!