Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
It was announced today that the Montreal Canadiens‘ elite goalie, Carey Price, will be day-to-day due to an “upper-body injury.” This was probably sustained during the game on Jan. 14 against the Columbus Blue Jackets when a Columbus player was pushed into Price’s net.
Habs fans, as can be expected, have started to panic. One thing about the fanbase in Montreal is that the tiniest negative change is blown out of proportion. As the team has not released any information as per the goalie’s injury, just the fact that Hamilton Bulldogs goaltender Joey MacDonald has been called up, fans have been running on assumption.
So, is all the doomsaying warranted? Probably not, as reporter Renaud Lavoie of TVA in Quebec tweeted that it is not a big injury for Price. Dustin Tokarski has shown time and time again that he is a solid backup goalie. He is showing more maturity with each game and has instilled confidence in many, if not most fans.
However, with the Habs putting up a negative shot differential, it is clear that they are counting on their goalie to save the day. When they are backed by a goalie like Price, that is rarely a problem. Now, though, with Price likely out for Saturday’s game against the powerful New York Islanders, suddenly a team that lost to the Ottawa Senators only a night earlier is not getting the confidence from fans who might have been more certain otherwise.
Not all fans are naysayers. I believe Tokarski can do the job, and if the rest of the Habs step up their game, the team can definitely rise to the challenge. It won’t be easy, but I believe they have it in them. They have turned in some very strong performances this season, and have shown a capacity to dominate their opponents.
That doesn’t mean I’m not concerned about Price, of course. He’s a leader for the Canadiens on and off the ice, but if fans don’t put their faith in Tokarski, they will never truly believe in the team as a whole. I’m a proponent of believing in the entire team, and not just relying upon one player no matter what position he plays.
Tokarski will be able to show his mettle against the Islanders, and I’m certain he can hold down the fort until Price returns — whenever that may be. It’s the job of a backup goalie to do so, and Habs fans are blessed with one who can do the job and do it well.
Lissa Albert is a Montreal Canadiens writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow her on Twitter @LissaRantSports. “Like” her on Facebook and/or add her to your network on Google.
