MONTREAL — Avalanche coach Patrick Roy had a difficult time telling some of his healthy veterans that they were not needed in this two-game preseason trip through Montreal and Quebec City. So he allowed them all on the plane.
The Avs will take on the Canadiens on Thursday in Montreal and Friday in the birthplace of the Nordiques/Colorado franchise with a handful of lucky youngsters playing with the appreciative vets. It’s a special trip for Roy, who won two of his four Stanley Cups in a Habs sweater, and executive vice president/general manager Joe Sakic, who played the first seven years of his NHL career in Quebec City.
In perhaps a show of their excitement, Roy and Sakic participated in a quarter-ice scrimmage with Thursday’s scratches after the morning skate.
“Anytime you get a chance to play in Montreal and Quebec City, that’s a great chance to play in front of some amazing fans,” said Avs center Matt Duchene, who will play on a line with Ryan O’Reilly and prospect Renda Rendulic. “It’s one of the birthplaces of hockey. For me, I loved the Habs as a kid, along with the Avalanche, and anytime I come to Montreal it’s real special for me.
“And obviously, Patty in Montreal and Joe in Quebec, they’re my heros growing up. It’s always fun coming to the Bell Centre and looking at the banners and all who have been honored. It’s pretty cool playing under Marice Richard’s banner; he’s the reason I wear No. 9.”
Thursday’s lineup and other news can be found at the .
Mike Chambers: mchambers@denverpost.com or twitter.com/mikechambers
