5 Reasons Carey Price Will Win The Hart Trophy

2. Plays 60+ Minutes

Skaters are key to any game. Without goals scored, there is no win. No ties in the NHL means that at least one goal has to be scored in order for there to be a conclusion to any match. Therefore, goal scorers are crucial to any game, any team.

But Carey Price is the only one of the Hart Trophy nominees who played all 60 minutes – or more – of every game, remaining on the ice (unless he was pulled) throughout. Some might argue that he didn’t score goals, and therefore can’t be credited with the team’s success.

If you watched Canadiens’ games, and saw – as outlined in my previous point – how well he defended his net, preventing the other teams from going ahead, it is very clear that without his talent, the goal scoring is moot.

Price also controls the pace of the game. Often, when it’s been a frenzied shift or two, when he sees that his teammates might need a breather, he will choose to freeze the puck instead of play it to another Canadien. That helps his teammates to regroup, and has been especially helpful when on the road and line changes are impossible or not allowed at the moment.

Feb 8, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban (76) celebrates with goalie Carey Price (31) after defeating the Boston Bruins 3-1 at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

On any team with a stellar goaltender, it is well known that his heroics – no shifts taken, no breaks other than the television time-outs and intermissions – are a full-game accomplishment that have been responsible for many a win.

The Habs have been criticized for leaning on their goaltender too much. The shot differential for the season (-1.7) is proof that yes, Price has been the hardest-working player on the team. However, with a goalie like Carey Price, who can blame the team for their confidence? And being on the ice from opening puck drop to final buzzer makes him the most-used player as compared to his co-nominees.

1. His Demeanor

Carey Price, it’s been said, has ice water in his veins. His demeanor on the ice is remarkable. He is known as cool-hand Carey. Chilled for action. His calm confident play not only helps him to perform the way he does, it is instrumental in helping his teammates.

(Often posted during the seasons – both the regular, and post-season – this graphic reflects Carey Price’s well-known calm)

Watch him pluck a puck right out of the air, stand and calmly give it to the referee. Or watch him be put to the test, laterally, outside the crease, and back again, then just shake his head and drink from his water bottle.

Or the famous wink, in 2011, after blocking a shot from David Krejci, when Price was caught on camera winking at then-teammate Brent Sopel. The video went viral and was just a glimpse at the delightful confidence of this goaltender.

But above and beyond his on-the-ice deameanor, about which much has been written, his off-ice personality is exceptional. Try and find an interview in which Price does not deflect from the compliments he receives.

Scott Oake, of CBC – more than once – has said to Price, “it’s awfully hard to get you to talk about yourself.” I’ve seen him interview Price this year and say those very words, almost verbatim every time. Here he is, in an interview after the Habs won Game 7 in Boston last season, once again facing the humility of Carey Price:

This is just a typical interview for Price, who never takes the credit for his wins, but always praises his teammates.

Don’t think this goes unnoticed, especially by the writers who will ultimately vote on the winner of this trophy.

I would be hard pressed to think that Price isn’t the favorite to win. I’m not alone, either. James Mirtle, of the Globe and Mail (and notably, a Toronto Maple Leafs writer) stated – in March – that Price should be the favorite for the Hart.

This is not the only article the Globe has written in favor of Price as a Hart winner. Two writers were asked their predictions for all the trophies this year; the two categories in which both writers were in sync were Vezina, and Hart – both choosing Carey Price.

We already know the Vezina will be inscribed with Carey Price’s name. I am confident the Hart will as well.

Teammate PK Subban has another idea:

How about it, Habs fans?