Montreal Canadiens
Canadiens On Top of NHL North Division Despite Carey Price Struggles
Montreal has exceeded early expectations despite a few question marks.
Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin must be happy about his teams start to the 2020-21 NHL season. After a disappointing 2019-20 regular season, the team showed promise during the bubble bound playoffs in Toronto. Bergevin used that spark as an impetus for a busy offseason that included the addition of quality players at every position.
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Those alterations have had a direct impact on the quick start. After the first five games of the season, the team has not suffered a regulation loss and sit alone atop the Scotia North Division standings with eight of a possible 10 points. While there is no such thing as cruise control, the Canadiens have put themselves in a great position out of the gates. All is well, right?
Crease Questions
Not so fast. One of the more astute, non-media, hockey twitter accounts (also based in Montreal – see below) has pointed out something that could be perceived as good or bad.
On one hand, fans could be even more excited by the fact that the team has enjoyed early success despite the goaltending metrics. However, the biggest concern about the ugly stats could be the fact that Carey Price is the one dragging the numbers down. So far, he holds a record of 1-0-2 with a goals against average of 3.50 and a save percentage of .887. Certainly, not Price-like numbers.
While many still consider Price one of the best goaltenders in the league, his early numbers could indicate one of two things:
- A sluggish start after what has been an awkwardly timed season start date; or
- His best seasons are now behind him.
I get it, it’s too early to create that kind of speculation. But, at the very least, it’s noteworthy. Price is now 33 and it is no secret that he has been somewhat overworked over the past several seasons. Whatever the case, it only further accentuates the important offseason addition of Jake Allen.
Perhaps it is an anomaly due to a countless number of factors, but maybe not. Candidly, I have a feeling that Price will bounce back with flying colors. It would be reckless to doubt a proven professional that has historically been a Vezina Trophy (2015 winner) candidate anytime he steps on the ice.
In the end, time will tell. Always does!
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