NHL STANLEY CUP FINALS: DEVILS v AVALANCHE

May 26, 2001

Rob Blake

Ray Bourque

Patrick Roy

RAY BOURQUE: Well, came out-- I think we came out pretty good, played a good solid game and you know, we were skating well and I think we moved the puck pretty well and got some speed. Scored some goals and did a good job in the special teams, especially P. K., And again Patty was there when we needed him.

ROB BLAKE: No, I don't think so. I think that's kind of how they want to set something for the next game and that, but you got to keep your composure out there and we did that for the most part tonight and get the victory.

PATRICK ROY: Didn't bother me at all. It is part of the game and, you know, I just wanted to stay focused and make sure I was ready for every shot coming at me and tried to make the key save and like I said, yesterday try to give my teammates a chance to win the game and they deserve a lot of credit, they played outstanding, my teammates, that's the type of effort we had to put. I am sure New Jersey is going to try to adjust and we are going to have to raise the bar again.

RAY BOURQUE: Well, Adam played a great game and you know, if I am paired with Adam or Rob, you know, it is -- for me it is a joy and it makes my job a lot easier. I think we did a good job tonight, you know, again Adam was strong and was there and physically you know, he is there every night. He is tough to play against. So tonight did a pretty good job in terms of shutting them down. But like Patrick said they are going to come harder and we are going to have to play better.

ROB BLAKE: I had one more after that.

ROB BLAKE: It was last eight minutes. I think the score was 4-nothing at the time there, we had a couple of powerplays so it wasn't anything really to get out there for.

PATRICK ROY: Not at all. Through the season we had some adversity like that and we always find a way to keep winning and obviously the first game we played against the Blues was a key and but again, we have a lot of leadership in this room, great leaders, and guys with big heart, and guys show a lot and it was a good win first game against the Blues, gave us a lot of confidence and we just keep playing the same way and we play with a lot of passion and that's what we need.

RAY BOURQUE: The puck was coming to him and I kind of stood him up and just caught part of him and I think I must have caught his wrist or something. But I didn't catch him all, but I think I just kind of jammed him. I think he jammed his wrist or something, I am not sure what is wrong with him. But you know, he was coming, I think he saw me at the last second and really couldn't adjust, but I didn't catch him all, but just I caught him in a way where he kind of jammed himself and got hurt there.

RAY BOURQUE: Just with half of my body.

ROB BLAKE: Yeah, I don't know if it was so much nerves. A lot of butterflies, anxious, anxiety. I think guys -- when you have a few days off from the last series everything builds up, the hype and that you want to get that first shift, that first hit, that first shot out of the way. Our guys stayed real composed through warmup and into the beginning of the game.

PATRICK ROY: I thought the guys played a super first period. Just wanted to make sure that we could come back at the one-nothing after the 1st and to me, I mentioned to Ray in the dressing room after the game I said, I thought that was my key save of the game, my best save, most important save was on that play.

ROB BLAKE: It is great. Obviously he is one of the leaders along with these guys up here right now. The young guys look to Joe and he has taken charge, a little injury there early on in Playoffs, he has overcome that, had a great series against St. Louis and he has carried it over again tonight. You give him any space out there, let him get that shot off, he is real effective.

PATRICK ROY: Good question. I know it is against the Panthers, but I can't remember, sorry about that. (Laughter) it was in the first period, but that's all I can remember.

RAY BOURQUE: You had to play him tight and not give him any room, but you know, he is so quick that if you miss, forget it, he is gone and he is off to the races. But he has got such a great shot and quick release I mean, he is so quick, sometimes you think you have got him and he spins out of a turn or he stops and he starts, he is so explosive, he is really tough to contain.

ROB BLAKE: I think the same thing, I think you just try to contain him. You don't stop a guy as talented as good as that.

RAY BOURQUE: It was good. I was ready, focused and really anxious for the game to start. Once it started we are all set.