Patrick Roy, 1,000 games

Patrick Roy is, arguably, one of the best goalies ever to play in the NHL. However, lately he hasn't been playing as well as usual despite his outstanding hockey career. Roy is this month's player spotlight, not for his goalie average so far this season, but because he has just accomplished one of the greatest feats in hockey history.

On January 20th, 2003, Roy became the first goalie in NHL history to play in 1,000 regular season NHL games when he blocked 29 shots in a 1-1 tie between his Colorado Avalanche team and the Dallas Stars.

Before the game Roy was given an award and a sterling silver goalie stick, which was presented by his childhood idol, Rogie Vachon.

Roy, who first played with the Montreal Canadiens before moving on to Colorado, is now in his 19th NHL season. His first NHL game was on February 23, 1985 against the Winnepeg Jets.

Roy holds almost every record for goaltenders. He also has received many awards over the years including the Conn Smythe Trophy (three times), the William M Jenning Award (five times), and the Vezina Trophy (three times). He also has helped his teams win the Stanley Cup three times.

Roy has played in eleven NHL All-Star Games, and has played for Team Canada in the Olympics in 1998.

So far this season Roy has played in 37 games, and has 15 wins, 11 losses, 11 ties, two shutouts, a save percentage of .909 and a goals-against average of 2.42.

Even with those numbers, Roy hasn't played his best this season. However, he recently has been playing much better and more consistently, which is bad news for Avs opponents.

Hopefully, he can keep improving this season and help the Avs make it to the playoffs and the Stanley Cup once again.