Montreal Canadiens: Carey Price is an elite goaltender and a lifesaver
By Omar L
Carey Price had a save of the year for the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the playoffs, but he also saved Nick Suzuki’s life with it.
The legend of Carey Price has been sung from hilltops all over the country since the Montreal Canadiens selected him fifth overall in 2005. When it was announced that the Habs would be facing the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Stanley Cup Qualifier, all eyes and hopes turned to him as the main factor for survival. We knew we’d get ridiculous saves from the 32-year-old, and they helped Montreal advance.
Hockey minds knew Price would need to come up with even more big saves with the Philadelphia Flyers as their next opponent. Not only are they a heavy team, but they also have Price’s 22-year-old self in Carter Hart defending the net.
The saves came, and only two got passed Price, but there is one that will be talked about for long after this series ends.
Carey Price literally had the save of the year on Scott Laughton.
The Philadelphia Flyers were blessed with a wide-open net as Price was caught sliding to the left while Kevin Hayes found Laughton in the slot. Laughton had the entire net to score on, but his shot was deflected.
At first, we thought it was Nick Suzuki who found himself in the crease with Price.
No.
Carey Price got a piece of Laughton’s shot with his stick. It’s an unbelievable save from the BC-native, but that is not even the half of it. Not only is Price providing more evidence of him still having that elite flare, but he also saved Nick Suzuki from taking Laughton’s shot to the head.
When you look at the initial trajectory, the puck is heading up-top on Suzuki. Price’s deflection sends the puck higher than it’s initial path.
It would’ve been nice for the Montreal Canadiens win, but witnessing that performance from Price continues to add optimism to the team’s chances. That and Price making Derek Grant flinch before throwing his blocker at glove at him.
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