The Montreal Canadiens have announced that all-star goaltender Carey Price will return to action to face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night. Price has been out since February 20th with a concussion after taking a slap-shot to the head from Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Shayne Gostisbehere. Price finished the game but before facing the New York Rangers a couple of nights later, coach Claude Julien announced the star net-minder had suffered a concussion and would be out indefinitely.
Many fans are questioning the decision by the Habs to let Price play again. The season is all but over. For Price, it’s not just about playing a couple of games of hockey. It’s personal.
Carey Price Return Shows True Leadership
Many can remember December 16th, 2016, when former coach Michel Therrien pulled Carey Price after allowing four goals in a game against the San Jose Sharks. Price left the ice clearly upset as he gave Therrien a stare down before making his way to the dressing room. Price addressed the media in the coming days stating why he was frustrated. No one else could run from that game so why should he. This shows how much of a leader he really is. It’s also why no one should be surprised he is returning to the crease on Wednesday night. Much like that situation, Price wants to be able to lead his team into battle, through good times and bad.
Roller Coaster season
Price and the Habs got off to a rough start this season going 4-8-1 in their first 13 games. Of those 13 games, Price started 11, securing only three wins, and posted a miserable 3.77 goals against average and a .877 save percentage. On November 2nd, Price went down with a lower-body injury, keeping him out of the lineup for roughly three weeks. Price returned on November 25th and recorded a shutout against the Buffalo Sabres, and went on to win five straight, allowing only five goals in the process. He looked to be back to form, only to falter once again. Price continued to struggle with consistency. It was later revealed that he suffered from chronic fatigue early in the campaign. This explained why the former Hart and Vezina Trophy winner had been having such a roller coaster season.
Looking to Finish Strong
Price will look to come back and finish out the remaining nine games on a high note. There’s no bigger critic on Price than himself. So to have the season go the way it has for him leaves a sour taste in his mouth. Price, as well as the rest of the Habs, will be looking to put it all on the line. They all want to have something to build on for next season. He understands that there isn’t much to play for, but that’s not what matters to him. After practice Price said, “We don’t have high expectations, but we want to make sure we really have a really good effort and that’s what matters most.”
Many people will question the decision to let Price play again this season. To most, the Habs have nothing to gain. The season is over, the Habs cannot make the playoffs. Price, however, doesn’t see things like this. Medically cleared to play, Price doesn’t want to sit back and watch his team close out the season without him. Like a true leader, Price wants to be out there battling with his team. He wants to go out and do what he is paid to do. Play for the Montreal Canadiens.
If things go well, it would not be a surprise to see Price continue his season this spring. He could play for Team Canada at the IIHF World Hockey Championships.
