Is Carey Price what the Habs need?

By Olivia Lawrence 

RP Show Intern

Montreal Canadiens star goalie Carey Price skated for the first time this week after being away from the team since the start of the season after voluntarily entering the NHL’s player assistance program for mental health reasons. Not only are National Hockey League (NHL) fans glad to hear he is back on the ice, it seems his presence is also bringing some victories to his team.

“Just being back in the room, the Habs have recorded wins over the LA Kings and Calgary Flames,” said Rod Pedersen on Thursday’s episode of the Rod Pedersen Show.  “They said just having Carey Price in the BUILDING has had that kind of impact on the Montreal Canadiens.” 

The Habs have only recorded four wins from 18 games played so far (4-12-2), and they are currently sitting second last in the Eastern Conference.    

“When you have a guy like Price that walks in and just exudes confidence, he says the right things, you know, sometimes you can get a room without a guy like that, and the conversations just go the wrong way,” said hockey analyst Jared Dumba. “You get a guy like Price, that knows where the focus has to be, is bringing the right things out of certain players, and he doesn’t even have to be on the ice.”

It is one thing to have veteran experience in the NHL, it is another to have 14 years experience with the same team like Price.  

“I got shivers because I love Carrie,” said Rod Pedersen. “And to know that he has that kind of impact on his team.”

There is uncertainty when Price will return to play, but there is no doubt he will have even more impact on his team when he is in the crease on game day.

“It’s wild,” said Dumba. “He’s just got the swagger. Just watching how calm and cool he is. Can you just imagine the presence that he brings inside that dressing room that rubs off on everybody else?”

The Habs are scheduled to play the 5-6-4 Pittsburgh Penguins at home Thursday night (Nov.18) looking for another much needed win.