Eric Bolte – USA TODAY Sports
The Montreal Canadiens, and especially goaltender Carey Price, entered Friday night’s game against the Ottawa Senators needing a win in a big way. They had been outplayed, and Price had struggled in the opening game of their playoff series leading many to blame him for the loss. The Canadiens netminder bounced back in a big way, leading the Canadiens to a huge win while even losing a few teeth in the process. Price showed he can reach a different level when he wants to, and that’s a great sign for a suddenly motivated Canadiens team still looking to avenge a hit that sent forward Lars Eller off on a stretcher.
Price made 29 saves on 30 shots Friday, a big improvement from his 27 saves on 31 shots on Thursday. The Canadiens came into the game with a ton of emotion, and now backed by Price’s strong play they have seen the series’ momentum shift back in their favor. For most of the season Price was one of the best goaltenders in the league, but he struggled down the stretch. Senators goaltender Craig Anderson, also one of the best in the league in 2013, made 48 saves on 50 shots in game one but allowed three goals on 34 shots on Friday. This series has tilted in favor of whichever team’s goaltender has played better so far, which leaves little room for error on Anderson’s or Price’s part.
For all of his regular season success in Montreal, Price is still searching for some postseason glory. If he can perform the way he did in game two a few more times, he just might reach that goal and lead the Canadiens on a deep run.
Jonathan Katje is an NHL senior writer for Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter or add him to your circles on Google Plus.
