Making sure you grow from a challenge is probably the best way to move forward in life and overcome the obstacles it puts in your way. This is how Carey Price chose to attack the retrospect of his nine months away from the action.
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“During this period, I had a lot of time to introspect on a personal and professional level. It was tough, but all in all, it’s positive because I managed to overcome these hardships, “said Price on Monday morning, almost 60 hours after facing an opponent’s shots for the first time. of the season.
If this painful rehabilitation following the operation he underwent on his knee and the 30 days he spent in a treatment center are behind him, Price still does not seem to have recovered from the loss suffered in the Stanley Cup final last July.
“Even today, I have a hard time accepting it. Like everyone who loses in the final, it’s probably going to take me a few years to get over it. It took me 14 years to get this opportunity. Going so close and coming back so far adds to the feeling of missing a chance,” Price said.
It’s possible that his return to the game will help him take the pill a little better.
A message from Crosby
After the team’s practice, which Jeff Petry did not attend, Price said he had received messages of encouragement and congratulations over the past few days. Already on Saturday evening, we saw Lars Eller, during the warm-up period, and Alex Ovechkin, at the end of the match, exchange a few words with the 34-year-old goalkeeper.
“Pleky (Tomas Plekanec) and Sid (Sidney Crosby) also contacted me to congratulate me and say they were happy for me,” Price said. I appreciated their gesture. »
The good news is that Price didn’t feel any side effects as a result of his presence in net against the Islanders. Two and a half days later, he felt like new.
“It went well. It did me good, not only to play, but also to see a match at the level of the ice rink, he underlined. This morning I had a good practice. I’ll be ready for tomorrow (tonight). »
Does this mean he will defend the Canadiens’ net for the visit of the Wild? Neither Price nor Martin St-Louis confirmed it. Moreover, there are six games left in the season for the Canadiens, including only one series of two games in as many nights. Price prefers not to speculate on the number of games he could keep.
“I have a small idea, but we will assess the situation on a daily basis. I haven’t seen many game situations. I feel that I still need to improve my physical condition. Everything will depend on how I feel the day after a match. »
The example of Fleury
No matter how often he sees action, Price should be able to leave for the summer season reassured about the condition of his knee. Enough, at least, not to have to go and test it at the World Championship to be held in Finland, from May 13 to 29.
“I probably won’t go. It’s definitely a tournament I would like to participate in, I’ve never had the opportunity to do so, but I don’t think it would be the right time. »
Especially since, if he had to hurt himself, he would hear about it. Because, despite the pitfalls, Price has no intention of hanging up his leggings soon. On condition of being able to offer a satisfactory return.
“I want to be able to finish my career at an acceptable level,” said Price, who has four years left on his contract. How many seasons does that mean? I do not know. But when I retire, I want to be able to say that I did it by playing well. »
200 feet from him on Tuesday night will be Marc-André Fleury, a goalie who, at 37, still offers a more than respectable outfit. Price acknowledged that the Quebecer could serve as an inspiration to him.
“Flower, he’s like the Energizer Bunny. Nothing seems to stop him.”