Patrick Roy discusses Martin Brodeur's longevity

In some order - and due apologies to Czech legend Dominik Hasek - Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy and New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur are two of the greatest goaltenders to ever occupy the blue paint. 

On Thursday night Roy's Avalanche will host Brodeur's Devils for the first time this season. Naturally, Roy was asked a bevy of questions about Brodeur following Wednesday's Avalanche practice. 

"He still plays some great games," Roy said of Brodeur. "I mean, last night in Montreal he had to play well and he played a really good game. Whether it's his last game (in Montreal) or not it'll be up to him to decide. But it's amazing what he's been doing. He's been a great goalie in our league, he's been probably one of the best without a doubt."

Interestingly, Roy was asked whether or not he had any lingering regrets about retiring at the height of his powers (Roy posted a .920 save percentage as a 37-year-old in his final NHL season back in 2002-03). Roy's answer was actually pretty insightful, and focussed introspectively his hyper-competitive, all-or-nothing personality.

"No it was different," Roy said. "My personality is a lot different than his. Marty, I think, and I'm not saying he's not taking the game seriously, but I mean he has a better approach probably than I had. After losses I took it tough, took it almost personal. Marty takes it more like, "hey let's go back tomorrow." I think that helps to have a longer career."

Continued Roy, while explaining that he's been forced to take a different approach as a head coach: "Winning is not everything, it's the only thing that matters to me."

You can watch Roy's comments in full here: