I was sceptical when the Montreal Canadiens decided to trade Jaraslav Halak and hang onto Carey Price following Halak’s strong season and playoff performance last year. I also did not think that Price had the emotional intelligence needed to be an outstanding NHL goalie despite his great skills. Well it looks like I was wrong as well and thousands if not millions of hockey fans. Maybe the Canadiens management team knows what they are doing after all.
From management’s perspective Price was worth investing more time in considering what he has already accomplished in his short career. He is only 23. He was the 5th overall pick in the 2005 Entry Draft. That same year he was selected the CHL goaltender of the year. In 2007 he helped Canada win the gold medal at the World Junior Championships and was the Tournament MVP. As a 19 year old he carried the Hamilton Bulldogs to a Calder Cup Championship and was the playoff MVP. So it is understandable that management would give him enough time to develop at the NHL level.
So how have the two goalies matched up so far this season:
|
| Wins | Shutouts | GAA | SAV% |
| Price | 14 | 4 | 1.95 | .935 |
| Halak | 10 | 3 | 2.37 | .911 |
Well as good as a season as Halak is having, Price’s has been having an even better one. So the faith shown in him by management is paying off and the near hysteria from their fan base has disappeared. The Canadiens are a Stanley Cup contender and Price is the latest saviour. All is good in Montreal.
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