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 Friday, March 17
New team, same determination
 
 Colorado Avalanche defenseman Ray Borque recently took time to chat with ABCSports.com and ESPN.com users about his new team and his pursuit of 400 goals. He also talked about what it is like to be teammates with former rival Patrick Roy and his most memorable hockey moments which took place with the Boston Bruins.

 Ray Bourque
Bourque is looking to win his first-ever Stanley Cup with the Avalanche.

"I think my fondest memories are around the two years we went to the Stanley Cup Finals," says Borque. Those two runs are something that was quite an experience and something I'll never forget."

Borque also revealed the toughest forward to contain and whether or not he has any superstitions.

In case you missed Borque's March 17 chat, the following is an edited transcript.

Travis: Have you enjoyed your experience in Colorado so far?

Ray Bourque: It's been great. My teammates have welcomed me with open arms. And the organization has treated me with first class. The adjustment on the ice has gone very well and it has gone well so far.

Matteo: Mr. Bourque, how does it feel to be so close to reaching 400 goals?

Ray Bourque: It will definatley be something I keep the puck for. I never would have dreamed that I would come close to scoring 400 goals. I think it's quite a number for a defenseman. Before coming here, I needed five more goals and I really didn't think I'd get that number in the 14-15 games left. Now I have 10 left and just need one. So there's a good chance I can attain 400.

Senzrule: How does it feel to play defense for your old rival, Patrick Roy?

Ray Bourque: It feels great. I've known him for many years now. Playing against him in Montreal and then getting to know him personally. He's one of the fiercest competitors I've ever been around. His records and the way he has played in the league speaks for itself. Having him behind you as the last stop is very comforting. The other night, I coughed one up around the blue line and Roy made a huge stop on a breakaway, then he kinda looks at you and smiles. It really is fun and great to be teammates.

Mary: What's it been like for you to be teamed with Adam Foote on D?

Ray Bourque: It's been great being with Adam. He's another guy that competes so hard and is so solid. We know we're going up against the top lines every night and with a guy like Adam, I know we'll have much success.

Tony: Hey Ray, thanks for all the memories you gave us here in Boston. Do you think playing on a team stocked like Colorado may extend your career by a couple of years? Do you have the desire to at this point? Thanks.

Ray Bourque: That was one of the reasons I asked to be traded. One was to compete for the Cup. The other was to have a change. This situation has enhanced my game. And I think the situation in Colorado could extend my career if things keep going so well. I'm thinking about playing next year. I'll decide this summer, but there's a good chance.

Tanner: Mr. Bourque, would you consider the trade to the Avalanche a disappointment if you do not win the Stanley Cup?

Ray Bourque: Either way, when you get traded there are no guarantees. I know we can make a good run if we play the way we are capable. The change has been good, whether we win it or not.

David Kelly: How are the Avs fans?

Ray Bourque: The support has been great. The media and the fans. It's nice to be able to walk around and be places like the mall and not be recognized. The fans in Boston could be tough sometimes, but when they are it's usually because the job isn't being done on the ice. Don't get me wrong, though. The Boston fans are excellent and I will miss them a lot.

Frank from Boston: Has it been a big difference playing in the western conference, where the style of play seems to be more up tempo?

Ray Bourque: It's a lot more up tempo and wide-open. Some teams may play the trap, but we play up tempo and utilize our speed and talent. Things happen very quick out here.

Keith: Do you have any superstitions before or during a game?

Ray Bourque: The preparation in getting ready hasn't changed, but the warmup and the in-between period times has. I'm just trying to stay out of the way of the guys who already have their thing. I like to call what I do more of a routine more than superstition. If I don't do something, it's not like I don't think the game will work out.

bill st pierre danvers: Who is the toughest forward to try to contain?

Ray Bourque: Jagr is a guy I played against in the East for so long. A combination of size, strength and speed. He makes a defenseman's job very tough.

BigE88: What was it like the first time you put on the Avalanche jersey?

Ray Bourque: A lot of things were different that day. I heard about the trade around 10. I packed, got to the airport easily the next day, had a press conference and then flew to Calgary. Then had another press conference, a bite to eat and the had the game. So, seeing the new jerseys and everything still seems foggy. It's hard to describe the feeling. Warming up was different, but everything came into place when the game started.

Andrew: What has been the greatest moment of your career so far?

Ray Bourque: I've been asked this a lot and I think my fondest memories are around the two years we went to the Stanley Cup Finals. Those two runs are something that was quite an experience and something I'll never forget. We all stuck together and guy's played hurt but came through. Those are what I remember the most. My first NHL game was very special (Winnipeg Jets in 1979) also Phil Esposito night was a lot of fun. The NHL All-Star Game in 1996 in Boston (MVP) and scoring the winning goal. There are so many others that I'd have to think about while sitting down for a moment.

Erin: What about Pavel Bure? Is he a tough guy to defend against?

Ray Bourque: He's so fast and explosive. He shoots the puck so well. And he has that knack for being at the right place at the right time. He plays differently than most guys too, because he plays behind the defense. Florida likes to bank it off the boards and release him. All he really needs is one opportunity and it's in the net.

kevmb7: Do you think any matchup when you reach the playoffs can compare to the old Bruins-Canadians matchups?

Ray Bourque: Rivalries are made up by good competition. You have to meet in the playoffs and have a history to really build one up. Colorado and Detroit really have a good one. And everyone says they really have something special between them. Being a part of it will really be fun. In the past, in the old Adams Division, we seemed to have a rivalry with everyone. And it was fun when we played the Montreals and the Quebecs. It's good for the game and now it's very special to be part of the Detroit-Colorado one.

It's been a pleasure chatting. I'd like to thank everyone for all your warm wishes and for the support. I hope I answered all your questions. Thanks again, and we'll chat soon.