By Richard Obrand
Carey Price enthusiasts will say they told you so, while former bashers will deny ever muttering any anti-Price sentiments.
The Jaroslav Halak supporters have all crossed over and those who haven’t are living in what is now known as St. Lala Land.
There were those who, until last night, opted to reserve their rights to judge Canadiens General Manager Pierre Gauthier’s decision to keep Price until he proved himself when it really matters.
Last night was the deadline for that group of fans and I believe it was met by all.
The city of Montreal is abuzz with Price’s most recent performance, a 32-save shutout of the Big Bad Boston Bruins, in their own barn nonetheless.
What sent fans into awe last night wasn’t so much of what he did – partly because he has done it countless times throughout the regular season – but how he did it. The calm, cool, collected demeanour of the 23-year old veteran, yes veteran, was on full display last night.
He stopped every Zdeno Chara clapper with ease and acknowledged the ones his sturdy and reliable defence-corps stopped for him.
It was pure bliss for Habs fans. And the wink to Brent Sopel was Patrick Roy-like.
However, this Roy reproduction wasn’t his first. It seems like only yesterday that Price was raising his arms in Roy-like fashion, mocking the Bell Centre faithful in game 4 of the 2009 Eastern Conference quarterfinals, a game that would signal the end of a very confusing and disastrous season for the Canadiens.
My, how time truly does fly.
Those who follow the Canadiens closely will remember when Bob Gainey referred to Price as a thoroughbred. Gainey’s words were directed towards those who continuously criticized the young netminder, analyzing his every move in a negative manner.
However, like the horse on his helmet, Price didn’t begin to show his true legs until his NHL career turned three-years old. Last night’s shutout was the third of his playoff career.
As most of you have likely already discovered, all three have come against the boys from Beantown. I don’t think I stand alone in saying that this will likely not be his last.
And for the first time in his career, neither is Price.
Toasts Here’s to Carey Price, to Thomas Plekanec, to Scott ‘$8-million man’ Gomez, to Captain Brian Gionta, to Ryan White’s seven hits in seven minutes, to Brent Sopel, PK Subban and Hal Gill, to CBC montages, to Jacques Martin’s system and last but certainly not least Les Glorieux.
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