This guy was an unsung hero for the Habs this season IMO. Yet I feel there is little to no appreciation for him within the organization.
Carey Price is far more skilled then Halak, more than most goaltenders in the world. He has the size, the movement and the reflexes of a world class goaltender. From the juniors on, he has shown flashes or brilliance, glimpses of a hall of fame career. But goaltending is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business and Price has shatthe bed time and time again since last years playoffs. He's the alleged goaltender of the future in Montreal but has yet to deliver when they really need it. He just can't seem to take the pressure of playing in the city of Montreal. Some say the fans are too hard on him, but what do you expect??? Montreal has produced many hall of fame goaltenders, the standard is high. The fact is that you have to WANT to play in Montreal. You want that pressure. its what keepds you on your game. Price doesn't seem to be able to hack it mentally.
halak, on the other hand has been in his fair share of Pressure situations and has stepped up. Two years ago when they were fighting for a playoff spot, Halak stepped up and nearly got them in the playoffs. Earlier this year at home against the Canucks and Roberto Luongo out goaltended him in a 3-0 win where he stopped 40+ shots. Halak didn't have the best numbers this season ( 34 GP 18-14-1 2.86 GAA .915 sv%) but was far more steady and even keeled. He was able to spark winning streaks for the team with his play and I felt that the team was more confident with him between the pipes.
So why did they not the start the playoffs with him???
With the way the team was playing in front of him it may not make any difference but don't you think he deserves a shot at the number 1 job in Montreal. I think he has more than paid his dues. He wants to be there, I don't think Price does. He doesn't have the steel to do it, not many do.
He may not be the goaltender of the future but he could be the goaltender of the now. I think he deserves his due.
Carey Price is far more skilled then Halak, more than most goaltenders in the world. He has the size, the movement and the reflexes of a world class goaltender. From the juniors on, he has shown flashes or brilliance, glimpses of a hall of fame career. But goaltending is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately business and Price has shatthe bed time and time again since last years playoffs. He's the alleged goaltender of the future in Montreal but has yet to deliver when they really need it. He just can't seem to take the pressure of playing in the city of Montreal. Some say the fans are too hard on him, but what do you expect??? Montreal has produced many hall of fame goaltenders, the standard is high. The fact is that you have to WANT to play in Montreal. You want that pressure. its what keepds you on your game. Price doesn't seem to be able to hack it mentally.
halak, on the other hand has been in his fair share of Pressure situations and has stepped up. Two years ago when they were fighting for a playoff spot, Halak stepped up and nearly got them in the playoffs. Earlier this year at home against the Canucks and Roberto Luongo out goaltended him in a 3-0 win where he stopped 40+ shots. Halak didn't have the best numbers this season ( 34 GP 18-14-1 2.86 GAA .915 sv%) but was far more steady and even keeled. He was able to spark winning streaks for the team with his play and I felt that the team was more confident with him between the pipes.
So why did they not the start the playoffs with him???
With the way the team was playing in front of him it may not make any difference but don't you think he deserves a shot at the number 1 job in Montreal. I think he has more than paid his dues. He wants to be there, I don't think Price does. He doesn't have the steel to do it, not many do.
He may not be the goaltender of the future but he could be the goaltender of the now. I think he deserves his due.
