Numero Uno For Roy
Roy notched his first NHL goal on his fourth shot of the game, at 5:15 of the middle frame. He broke in with Monahan, who outwaited Daws, then slid a pass to Roy. Roy caught Daws going one way, and he fired the puck against the grain to the twine.
SON PREMIER BUT DANS LA LNH!!!!
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) January 18, 2024
HIS 1ST NHL GOAL!!!!#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/s7YhFAcZCo
You could feel that something was going to happen. Either he would set up a nice play resulting in a goal. Or, he would score, because he just kept doing all the little things effectively.
You could see this one coming. Congratulations, Josh. Your first of many. https://t.co/IpwGfaFDZw
— Grant McCagg (@grantmccagg) January 18, 2024
It doesn’t look like Roy has any plans of going back to Laval. He looks comfortable, and his AHL stint was perfect for his development. Adapting to the rigours of the professional game, before getting an NHL taste has paid off for the former QMJHL star. St. Louis made sure to congratulate him.
Coach Marty congratulating young Joshua Roy on his first career NHL goal 🥲♥️ pic.twitter.com/AFhE8tOovj
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) January 18, 2024
Wrapping Up Roy’s Memorable Night
Roy’s tally put the Habs up by two goals. This was important, especially considering Nick Suzuki’s four-minute minor for high sticking. Luke Hughes struck before the first two minutes of the powerplay were old.
Roy’s marker kept the Canadiens ahead by one, albeit briefly - until Alexander Holtz scored the game-tying goal in the remaining two minutes of the man advantage. With a blown two-goal lead, and Suzuki licking his wounds, the Habs need some air back in their sails.
Roy has five shots registered, and his fifth was very close to being a goal. If not for a shot block by a Devils defender, that slowed it down. Caufield notched the eventual game-winner.
In a 3-2 win, Roy finished with a goal, five shots, one block and one hit in 12:32 of ice time. It might be time to consider increasing his ice time. He seems to do good things with the minutes he has played thus far.
Craig Button said it, and watching his play I see it. Joshua Roy is a top six NHL talent.
#Habs Cole Caufield on Joshua Roy: "I think it's unbelievable what he's doing - the poise, the confidence, he never really freaks out out there, he's been good in the d-zone & obviously he's a special, gifted player offensively..."
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) January 18, 2024
If the Canadiens have him on their third line with say Owen Beck and Filip Mesar/Jesse Ylonen/Emil Heineman, the Habs depth will be strong. Add in a top 20 forward talent in the 2024 Draft and the Canadiens aren’t looking too bad on offence.