The struggling Montreal Canadiens will have their best player back in the lineup on Saturday. Carey Price returns to the Canadiens crease Saturday night against the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced. Price has been out of the Canadiens lineup since November 2nd with a lower-body injury and missed the last 10 games. In his last game for the team against the Minnesota Wild, Price allowed five goals on 26 shots in a 6-3 loss.
Carey Price Returns To Montreal Canadiens Lineup
Carey Price back in goal on Saturday, Charlie Lindgren reassigned to Laval.
READ -> https://t.co/sL8qHlrzrj#GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) November 24, 2017
Price has been struggling this season. Prior to his injury, Price posted a 3-7-1 record with a 3.77 goals-against-average and an .877 save-percentage. The Canadiens hope to get Price back at his best to help turn around what has been a disappointing season.
Impact
The Canadiens are struggling both offensively and defensively this season. Embarrassing losses to Arizona (5-4) and Toronto (6-0) at the end of a six-game homestand, combined with a loss against Dallas and OTL in Nashville mean the Canadiens have now lost five in a row. They sit 14th in the Eastern Conference standings after their worst start since 1941.
After last night's 3-2 shootout loss (not 2-1 as mistake in previous tweet had) to Predators the #Habs rank dead-last of 31 NHL teams in offence, scoring an average of 2.30 goals per game. They rank 29th in defence, allowing an average 3.43 goals per game. #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/ZUlkhaxkr4
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) November 23, 2017
Having Price back in form should also help the offense a bit. The team will feel more confident about pressing forward knowing Price can cover up for mistakes. While the Habs are not going to break any offensive records, having confidence in your goaltender can allow offensive players a bit more freedom to be creative.
Making Room
Habs prospect Charlie Lindgren filled in admirably during Price’s absence. With a record of 3-4-1, SV% of .924 and a GAA of 2.43, Lindgren has been the Habs best player on many nights. Lindgren has been reassigned to Laval to make room for Price. Newly acquired Antti Niemi will serve as Price’s backup. Al Montoya suffered a concussion in early November. It is still unclear how long he will be out.
