The Montreal Canadiens' 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils on December 2nd, 2010 was just another day at the office for goalie Carey Price, whose stellar play has catapulted his team (and his own stats) to the top of the NHL leader board. There were many people (including yours truly) who were skeptical that Price would be able to carry the load in goal for the Canadiens this season. The Habs were coming off a magical run to the conference finals, thanks in large part to goalie Jaroslav Halak, but they traded him in the offseason, crowning Price as the undisputed number one guy in La Belle Province. It was a shocking trade, because Price had been struggling both on and off the ice, showing a lack of maturity and mental toughness. He hadn't yet proved that he would be able to successfully (and consistently) be the starting goaltender in the pressure cooker of Montreal. He had many doubters and detractors before the season started, including the fans in Montreal.
The Canadiens have Confidence in Price
The Canadiens organization has had the utmost faith in Price since the moment they drafted him, and have proved that many times. They traded veteran Cristobal Huet away in 2008 despite his strong play because they felt Price was ready for prime time. They traded Halak this past summer because they felt Price had the better upside. He was a high draft pick, and the Habs seem determined to see it through. They hadn't abandoned him so far, and they aren't about to anytime soon. The acquisition of back-up goalie Alex Auld was an even bigger indication that Price is the number one guy in Montreal. Auld is a journeyman, a perennial back-up, only positing 30 wins once in his nine-year NHL career. Even though Price has struggled in the playoffs recently, the Habs feel that he has what it takes to bring them all the way. And so far this season, he is as good as any goalie in the NHL. He has 4 shut-outs and a league leading 15 wins. He has been the sole reason on many nights that the Canadiens came out on the winning side. There are some who aren't at all surprised at Prices recent success, considering the former 5th overall pick played in a similar outstanding fashion when he was in the AHL. Price won the Calder Cup as a member of the Hamilton's Bulldogs, and was named playoff MVP. He also won gold for Canada in the 2007 World Junior Championships. Price has all the skills and pedigree, but it didn't always show at the NHL level.
Price is More Committed to Hockey
When a young goalie comes into the NHL, there's a usually a learning curve as they become acclimated to the pros. Stats wise, Price was adapting himself well to the NHL in his early years, but it was apparent that Price's focus wasn't always where it should be. Rumors of partying, and a flamboyant lifestyle followed Price around, and his often poor play and displays of immaturity seemed to fuel those rumors. Pictures surfaced of Price drinking and smoking, and whether or not all of the allegations were true, it seemed apparent Price was enjoying the life as a young, single, very wealthy athlete in Montreal. But this season, Price came into camp in the best shape of his life, and despite a shaky pre-season that incurred the wrath of the Montreal fans, he's been lights out so far this season, and it has certainly quelled his detractors. Habs fans best be very grateful, and also ashamed for booing Price in a exhibition game earlier this year, because without him, the Canadiens might not be in the lofty position they are now. Price is clearly focused and prepared, something that might have a little to do with a certain change in his personal life. Former teammate Georges Laraque expressed through his twitter account that Price's success can attributed to the fact that he has a live-in girlfriend, and he's given up the party life. Regardless of what really goes on behind closed doors in Price's life, one thing cannot be denied. He is playing his way into contention for the Hart trophy as the League's most valuable player.
Marcia Di Michele - In addition to Suite101, Marcy is also a writer for TheHockeyWriters.com and blogs for Sports Illustrated's Fannation page. Marcy has been ...
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