Three days after the risky decision to start 22-year old Jaroslav Halak in net, Canadians coach Guy Carbonneau made the official call to put 20-year old Carey Price back in net, in an attempt to stave off elimination in game five.
“He deserves a second shot,” said Carbonneau. “I think in the last few days he had time to calm down and refocus and get ready for another long stretch.”
Price struggled in the second round against the Flyers, posting a .750 save percentage in game three, before being yanked in the second intermission.
“It was a tough time, you always want to play, but you have to respect the coaches’ decision,” Price said. “I’m just looking forward to getting back in there. Hopefully, we can pull off a winning streak.”
It was speculated that Price’s glove hand had been injured, which would explain his recent troubles. But such accusations have been denied throughly by Carbonneau and Price. The real explanation of Price’s struggles could be simple exhaustion considering the youngster has had to be mentally sharp for all but five games since former Canadian goalie Cristobal Huet was traded to Washington at the trade deadline.
Phila.Bright 