Montreal Canadiens: Price Proving His Worth

When asked what his thoughts were, after his first career win in the NHL on October 10, Price calmly replied something to the effect that he 'felt good in the net'.

When further asked about what it felt like to win in the same arena Ken Dryden & Patrick Roy won their first career games in a Montreal uniform, Price humbly replied that he had never thought about it and that it must have just been a coincidence.

Up to this point in his rookie campaign, Carey Price has shown composure and maturity beyond the young age of 20. After thrashing about in the waves of the NHL in the first half of the season, Price has settled down nicely in the Montreal net after Huet's departure. He has become a solid rock between the pipes and has won the hearts of many in Quebec's hockey-mad city.

When Price went down to Hamilton mid-season, the thought was that Cristobal Huet was the No. 1 man to lead the team into the playoffs and beyond.

Why not sign him to a new contract before July 1? Price was up again in a flash and had regained that calm composure he had shown earlier in the season.

As a reward, Bob Gainey sent Huet to the Washington Capitals and handed the reins of the Montreal goaltender situation over to rookie Price.

For the first time since Patrick Roy, the Canadiens seem to be confident in a goalie who is finally dubbed a true "goalie of the future" or "franchise goalie."

Since being recalled from Hamilton, Price has gone 13-5 with a 2.30 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage. Ever since grabbing the No. 1 spot in net in late February, Price's numbers continue to impress, as he's gone 10-3-0 with a 2.29 goals-against average and a .933 save percentage.

While rookies such as Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have been more or less ripping up the score sheets in the Windy City, Price has put himself back into Calder Trophy contention with his strong play down the stretch.

Price's play has helped the Canadiens earn their first division title in 16 years. On top of that, there was a certain rookie goaltender fresh off a Calder Cup win in the AHL that won 21 games in his rookie season en route to the Canadiens 23rd Stanley Cup title.

Looking at Carey Price's 22-12-3 record, it doesn't take much thought to see that he is living up to the expectations of that first NHL win on October 10. Maybe it was coincidence then...but how about now?