Q&A.(hockey players Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur)(Brief Article)(Interview)

Martin Brodeur grew up in Montreal watching and learning from every movement in goal by Patrick Roy. Now they are the two best clutch goalies in the game, with Roy having won three Stanley Cups and Brodeur two.

Goalies often say they don't care who the guy is at the other end, but this year's Stanley Cup finals between the Devils and Avalanche--the first time the two have met in the playoffs--will certainly have a very personal flavor to it.

Larry Wigge spoke with both star puck-stoppers.

 
Patrick Roy                        Martin Brodeur 
 
Q. Is this like the student and the teacher in final exams? 
 
Questions, questions, questions.   I'd be lying if I didn't admit 
That's all I ever heard from       that Patrick was my idol. I'd 
Marty when he was growing up.      also be lying if I said I 
His thirst to learn was            didn't want to beat him now. I 
incredible. He's always had a      have two jerseys as keepsakes. 
great mind for the position--and   One is autographed by Raymond 
it shows in what he has done       Bourque and the other by 
for the Devils.                    Patrick. Every French boy in 
                                   Quebec grew up idolizing what 
                                   they did. Now I get to face 
                                   them both. 
 
Q. Why are you both so focused in the playoffs? 
 
It's the time of the year when I   I don't think a goalie by 
was a kid that I always enjoyed,   himself can win a Cup for a 
and it hasn't changed now. I       team, but a goalie can make a 
remember watching the Canadiens    difference. That's my mindset. 
in the 1970s, going on St.         I haven't seen a goalie score a 
Catherine Street in Montreal and   winning goal, but they can make 
raising the Stanley Cup. Getting   a difference. I always go into 
the Cup in my hands is still a     a game thinking that my role is 
dream. At this time of the year    not to give up any bad goals. 
I want to think nothing but        That way I always give my team 
playoffs, and I want to be one     a chance to win. 
of those players who is always 
able to raise his game a notch 
every spring. 
 
Q. In getting to the ...