Roundup: “Out of the blue” trades for the Montreal Canadiens to pull off
By Omar L
2) Is the NHLPA right to deem Carey Price as the best goaltender? Why/Why not?
SC: I would say yes, to a certain degree. It’s safe to say that Carey Price has had some very hit and miss seasons over the last little while. While he was completely dominant towards the end stretch of the season last year, he’s been only okay at best this year, playing behind an admittedly inconsistent Canadiens defense.
While I do think there are better goalies in the league, they’ve all had their inconsistent moments, and with this year being overtaken by surprising backups turned starters, theirs no real for sure starters in the league right now, at least in my opinion. So, with that being said, I think Price is the marquee example of a starting goalie in the NHL, as he’s one of the few who hasn’t benefited from a 2-goalie tandem this year, or in years prior.
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S: Whether or not the NHLPA was right to deem Price the league’s best goalie is something they have more insight on than any bloggers or journalists do. Actually, playing against a goaltender is the best way to judge how composed, reliable and dialled in he is. While the stats may tell a different story, I’ll just say that yes, they’re right, purely based on the fact that they have said so for two consecutive years.
OW: As I mentioned in my post on the topic, there is tremendous value in having that kind of respect and recognition from your peers. If you need one goaltender behind you in a Game 7 Stanley Cup Final scenario, having Price is far from a bad answer.
Statistically, the answers obviously change. Based on the kind of chances and shots stopped in combination with their save percentage, Connor Hellebyuck should’ve been named the best. Even Tuukka Rask could’ve got the nod with the season he’s having with the Boston Bruins. The numbers don’t lie, and they not only suggest, but they prove Price was not the best. There is one thing to consider.
Think of all the times hockey analysts or broadcasters dub a playing style ‘Carey Price-like’. When a goaltender is calm in their net and tracking the puck well such that their positioning is sound, it’s reminiscent of Price. He’s the standard and regardless of the numbers, that says a lot.