Montreal Canadiens: The Importance of a Healthy Carey Price

It’ll be very important for the Montreal Canadiens to make sure they can keep Carey Price healthy for the majority of next season.

Goaltending is arguably the most important position in hockey. A team could have their roster filled to the brim with offensive skill, but if they don’t have someone to stop the puck, they’re sunk. The Montreal Canadiens have the pleasure in having best goalie in the world in Carey Price.

It’s been a popular belief, that a number one goaltender should have 65-70 starts a season. Every night you want to give your team the best chance to win, and that is generally with your number one in net. However, you need to have a solid back-up for the nights your starter needs a break.

The Montreal Canadiens had Al Montoya as relief for Price. He started 18 games for the Canadiens and went 8-6-4 with a .912 Sv%. A team will ask their back-up to stay at .500 to get them to the playoffs. Luckily Montoya got the team 20 out of a possible 36 points (.555).

His play this season went well enough for him to earn a two-year contract extension with the Habs in January. The 32-year-old received a slight pay raise (now making $1.0625 million per), which may match the increased workload he will most likely get next season.

More Starts For Montoya

Canadiens goalie coach Stephane Waite spoke with Steven Nechay of NHL.com on the number of games a number one should play saying:

"I don’t believe your starter can play 65 to 70 games a year anymore. It’s too tough — physically and mentally — and that’ll catch up with you in the spring, for sure. That’s why a good backup can start 20, 22… even 24 games a year, and give your No. 1 goalie a break while still helping you make the playoffs"