That's why they play the games. The Canucks, with seven straight wins and just maybe the best line in the league, get beaten by the Canadiens without Mike Cammalleri. The Habs hadn't scored a 5-on-5 goal in over three games, yet they scored that way against the Canucks to come away with their hardest working, most dedicated win of the season.
And with that win let's put the argument to rest who the number one goalie is for the Habs. Jaroslav Halak faced 47 shots to lead the club to victory once again. Halak has faced 40 or more shots in six games this season. Guess how many he has won of those six? All of them.
People suggest that the strength of schedule has made it easy on Halak compared to Price but 40 shots is a lot whichever NHL team is firing them.
I'm not knocking Price when I say Halak is number one. It's just that between the two of them, there isn't much of a competition.
The save percentages of both goalies are excellent. One over .910 and the other over .930. A lot of teams would love for their goalie to hit .910. But in a battle between the two, Halak has Price on the canvas.
Time to make a move
What a wild card scenario now for the GM. Does Gainey deal his hot guy who won't fetch much on the open market, or does he deal his thoroughbred with the pedigree who is number two on the chart, or does he take what's behind curtain three - do nothing which at year's end will be a tricky salary cap negotiation. Add to that, he needs players and really can't afford to have a talented player sitting on the bench.
The need for a forward for a chance to make the playoffs this year is too great to let both these goalies be on the roster with one doing nothing every night.
So Halak is number one. Point finale. Now what to do with that fact. I think the only thing the fans won't tolerate is if Bob does nothing. Personally, I would trade Price if I could get good top six forward value for him of the same age group and salary structure. It should be interesting. Let me rephrase that -- it better be interesting.
