Aftermath of the collapse

By Josie Lemieux Sports Central Columnist

Nobody expected it. Nobody wanted it. The Avs' presence on the ice seemed like a ride on the Titanic -- sometimes, a false sense of power and security can kill you.

With a 7-0 loss attached to their mind as they went back to Denver, lots of speculation -- and explanations -- needed to be brought along.

Patrick Roy was the main attraction after being taken out of an excruciating 6-0 lead for the Wings in the second period. Young David Aebischer, with one minute of playoff experience, gave out the last goal.

"I guess the tank was pretty close to being empty," said Roy. "I tried to fight as hard as I could. It was not always pretty, but we did our best. Unfortunately for us, we lost that series. Being unable to win more than one game at home... to me, basically it was the difference."

After an outstanding year, it was a very painful end for the Avs goalie, who sat down, lost in time and space, as Detroit fans were chanting, at 12 minutes into the third period: "Nah nah nah nah, hey, hey, hey, goodbye."

"We've played a lot of playoff games," said Roy. "It's not an excuse. It was a very tough year. I think somewhere we should be proud of the way we played and battled."

Roy's statements seem pretty positive compared to the playing style of his teammates that night.

Granted, continuous playoff games did not help, but no one can really understand what went thought the Avs' minds -- they left their energy in the locker room and never brought it on the ice.

Although the Wings went along with their intensity, they also only kept a light momentum, not only in respect for the Avs, but also to prepare themselves for the next round.

As for Roy's withdrawal from the game, coach Bob Hartley gave him the ultimate choice: stay in defeat or sit down and wait.

Said Hartley, "He didn't want to come out. I asked him two times. We all know what a competitor he is, but after six goals, I took the decision (upon myself). At one point, I have a decision to make to protect my goaltender and to give him a break."

This decision immediately reminded Quebec hockey fans of a dark episode that still haunts them today.

Roy's last game in Montreal was on December 2, 1995, as the Habs were being massacred 9-0.

Insulted and furious for not being taken out sooner, he finally left the ice and exploded, stating it was his last game in Montreal.

He was traded to the Avs four days later.

What team was giving him a major slap and humiliated him that fateful night? The Detroit Red Wings.

As for this game, during the second period, the best ice shifts were allowed to the Avs' Eric Messier, Brad Larsen, and Mike Keane.

Peter Forsberg was visibly shaken on the bench, Adam Foote and Rob Blake often looked away as Detroit was threatening to score, and Joe Sakic constantly spoke with the rookies.

For the enjoyment of a game, fans wished for a wake-up call. They never had it.

Sakic made it clear for all reporters as he was heading home.

"It was just tough luck for Roy," he said. "He got us here. He's been unbelievable all year. He got us to 99 points and definitely will be the MVP of the league. As a team, we didn't get it done."

As for Wing captain Steve Yzerman, he could not believe what was happening on the ice. "It was total disbelief. We have a lot of respect for that team, and it was one of the most awkward games of my career."

Brett Hull, who scored on Detroit's first shot of the second period could not say he was disappointed, "but it was very unexpected."

"We were actually contemplating a real tight game," said Detroit coach Scotty Bowman, apparently astonished but happy. "We expected a lot of close checking."

There also is the fact that when you are at home and cannot win and eliminate the opposing team, you are definitely in deep trouble.

The Avs lost to Detroit 2-0 (Game 6 in Denver), so no goal had been produced during the last two games.

Strange things happen everywhere.

The Avs did not find a way to stone Dominik Hasek, and scoring first in such a crucial game is always a high motivation.

"Patrick got beat on the first two goals," Hartley added. "They were tips, like two deflections. It's tough to start a game on two deflections and then we had some bad decisions in our zone... A tough night for all of us."

It was a tough night for all fans, who thought the battle was going to be one of the most thrilling rides of the year.

Although the Red Wings are favorites to win the Cup, Carolina is a strong team. It should be a great fight for Lord Stanley.

Article courtesy of Sports Central.