Goalkeeper Carey Price will eventually accompany the Montreal Canadiens to New York, but with the goal of meeting the doctor who operated on his knee last summer.
Interim head coach Martin St-Louis said Sunday that Price needed a rest. “I don’t know if I would call it a relapse. He is going to New York to be examined, said St-Louis on Tuesday, the eve of a game against the Rangers. Me, I’m glad he played. We’ll see what the next few days will bring. »
Price played four games in nine days in his return. After allowing two goals for the New York Islanders and the Minnesota Wild, he conceded six goals in two consecutive starts for the first time in his career, against the Flyers of Philadelphia and the Ottawa Senators.
The team has indicated that Price will be undergoing medical follow-up in New York. His state of health will be reassessed on a daily basis.
St. Louis didn’t want to speculate on Price’s future. “I think it’s just for follow-up,” added forward Josh Anderson. After an operation, it is normal to do a follow-up. »
Anderson has been there, he who had shoulder surgery during the 2019-2020 season. “I had never undergone such an operation before. My surgeon kept me updated, and I was in touch with him maybe every two weeks,” he said.
Price had surgery on July 23. The 34-year-old goalkeeper was first expected to be restored in time for the start of the season on October 13. The Habs, however, announced on Oct. 7 that Price had signed up for the NHL Players’ Association assistance program and would be out for at least 30 days. He later admitted that he made this decision to deal with a substance abuse problem.
Upon his return to the team entourage in early November, Price had to start his rehabilitation all over again. His fitness program was then halted in early 2022, when the team was affected by an outbreak of COVID-19.
Price had to take another step back in March due to another illness. He finally made his return to action on April 15.
“When you talk about Carey Price, it’s like he’s been here forever,” Anderson said. He is one of the best goalkeepers on the circuit. When you hear what’s going on with him, there are definitely concerns, but we’ll see what happens in the coming days. »
Two games to give it all
The Canadiens will look to end a nine-game losing streak when they face the Rangers on Wednesday. The New York team first hosted the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night.
For its part, the Habs will then face the Florida Panthers on Friday at the Bell Center. “We want to fight and give it our all,” Anderson said. There are two games left to empty the tank. The summer will be long, and we will not be able to simulate these rehearsals. »
“We are going to face two teams that will be playoffs and we will need a collective effort. »
Anderson said despite the recent streak of losses, he believes the team has played some good games nonetheless.
Despite everything, a victory would probably allow the players to return to their corner of the world for the summer with a little lighter shoulders.