Finally, Carey Price looked like the goalie who led the Montreal Canadiens to three surprising series wins to make the Stanley Cup Finals. Tonight, he stopped 32-of-34 shots as he led his team to a 3-2 overtime victory over a really tough Tampa Bay Lightning opponent in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final on home ice.
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Price Had Been Off His Game During the Finals
Price frustrated the Lightning a number of times; especially during a four-minute Lightning power play at the end of the third period that extended two minutes into overtime. It was a turnaround for Price, who had been – well – average during the last few games. During the Finals, he uncharacteristically lost all three games with a goals-against-average of 4.38 and a save percentage of only .835.
In fact, Price was so off his game that the Canadiens’ head coach Dominique Ducharme felt obligated to pour cold water on any idea that Price wouldn’t start. He clearly announced.
“Carey’s the guy playing Monday. If you wonder or people wonder about who’s gonna be in net, Carey’s gonna be in net.”
Even Price Announced He Could Be Better
After Friday’s Game 3 loss, Price admitted that he needed to play much better. He was playing some of his best hockey during the Canadiens’ first three rounds of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but as soon as the Finals began that Price seemed to have left the building. He said, “It’s just not good enough so far.”
However, the victory to stave off elimination – at least for a game – puts Price back on his game. He’s now put together a record of 13-8 thus far in the playoffs with a sterling goals-against-average of 2.34 and a save percentage of .922. The Canadiens need him to play exactly this when they return to Tampa for Game 5 on Wednesday.
Related: Montreal Canadiens Carey Price: Class Act & Playoff Record Holder
Do the Canadiens Have a Chance in This Series?
Prior to Game 4, Canadiens’ tough-nosed forward Brendan Gallagher announced that his team wouldn’t go down without a fight. “We’re in a hole,” Gallagher admitted, “But I can promise you one thing about this group. There won’t be any quit.”
One at a time has to be the Canadiens’ mantra. If anyone can steal a game, it’s Price.
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