Most of us - probably Colorado Avalanche management included - reacted to the news of Patrick Roy’s resignation with something between a “Huh?” to a “What what what?”
Once everyone on social media had a chance to collect their thoughts, there was a bevvy of amusing comments and even the occasional words of wisdom.
Remarkably, even one person seemed to think that the Avalanche are worse off without Roy pulling the strings as head coach:
I know I'm probably in the minority here, but Roy was the best thing the @Avalanche had going for itself. The core and Sakic are the issues.
— CSU Rams Basketball Szn (@OurStateCSU) August 11, 2016
Yes, BryanC314 appeared to be in the minority there.
Let’s take a look at some of the most amusing and interesting reactions to Roy’s resignation, then.
The pulling the goalies early division
One of Roy’s lasting strategic influences involved emptying his net in very bold ways.
As much as his strategies often seemed to balk at analytics, many believe that coaches don’t pull their goalies soon enough in most cases. It’s a lot like NFL head coaches being too squeamish about going for it on fourth down.
Still, the scheme really prompted a lot of humor:
Patrick Roy can’t stop yanking the goalie out early, even when it’s himself.
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) August 11, 2016
Patrick Roy pulling himself early, he's really sticking to that bold strategy.
— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) August 11, 2016
Referencing his Montreal departure
That notorious final game with the Habs got plenty of play, too:
If Patrick Roy doesn't say, "It's my last game in [insert applicable city here]" when he leaves somewhere, then it's not official.
— Dan (@cultureoflosing) August 11, 2016
I'm just happy for Patrick Roy finally going back to doing what he was always good at: throwing tempter tantrums and quitting.
— Winging It In Motown (@wingingitmotown) August 11, 2016
Misc.
Now, some generalized observations:
Avs could've fired Patrick Roy and hired BRUCE BOUDREAU. Timing is everything. Good grief.
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) August 11, 2016
(Ouch.)
This is another one of those “maybe analytics are finally being adopted” moments. Now we wait until the next impossible trade happens.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) August 11, 2016
Finally, what might be the best tweet of the bunch: