Goalies Almost Never Score;

GOALIES ALMOST NEVER SCORE; therefore, fans and sportswriters rate their effectiveness based on keeping the puck out of the net. In 2000, Colorado Avalanche goalie Patrick Roy earned distinction as the National Hockey League’s greatest all-time defender.

The Avalanche traveled cross-country to engage the Washington Capitals. In the early stages of the NHL campaign, Colorado remained undefeated through the first five games while the Capitals sought their first victory.

Despite falling behind 2–0, Washington tied the game on two goals by Peter Bondra and went up 3–2 on Ulf Dahlen’s score. But Colorado’s Joe Sakic nailed his first goal of the season and tied the contest early in the third period.

As the game ticked down, Jan Bulis almost pulled a last-second Capitals victory. His shot zipped toward the net but struck Roy’s pads and bounded away.

Less than two minutes into overtime, officials penalized Washington’s Richard Zednik for cross-checking. With a 4-on-3 advantage, Colorado mounted a savage attack on Capitals goalie Olaf Kolzig. Ray Bourque attempted a slap shot that went awry, but Peter Forsberg hammered the deflection into the net for a 4–3 Avalanche victory.

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POINT Roy, who stopped 27 of Washington’s 30 shots, leaped in jubilation and was mobbed by his teammates. Highlights of his 16-year career flashed on the video screens as he cut away the historic net. In the postgame press conference, he took a telephone call from Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrentien.

With the win, Roy collected his 448th career victory, breaking the record held by legendary goalie Terry Sawchuk. A goalie stands in the crease, defending the boundaries of the goal, daring opponents to get the puck past him. Roy finished his career as hockey’s best defender between the pipes by amassing 551 regular-season wins and another 151 playoff victories.

As Christians, we also have a strong Defender—Jesus Christ. The Lord defends us against Satan’s attacks. He speaks on our behalf to God when we sin. And he always keeps our scoreboard clean.

GOAL! Think of ways that God defends you. Thank Jesus for taking up your defense.