Habs play on without Price
Star goalie out at least six weeks, but GM not shopping just yet
MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens survived one ninegame stretch without star goaltender Carey Price. Now they’ll be missing him a lot longer.
The Canadiens announced Monday that Price will be out at least six weeks with a lower body injury he sustained during a 5-1 win over the Rangers in New York last week. He will not require surgery.
Last season’s Hart and Vezina Trophy winner is expected to miss at least 16 games, with only a slim chance he could return for the Winter Classic outdoor game Jan. 1 in Boston, if he heals quickly.
“He’s a big part of our team,” defenceman P.K. Subban said. “But if we think we’re going to get any sympathy from the teams we’re going to play in the next six weeks, we’re not.
“The good thing is we’ve had to deal with not having Price in the lineup for a little while already and we know what that means. When a key part of your team goes down, everyone has to pull up their socks and be a little better.”
The injury returns first-year backup Mike Condon to the hot seat. The Boston-area native went 5-2-2 the last time Price was out beginning in late October, although he started to look shaky at the end of that run.
Price returned for two games, winning both, and played the first 40 minutes in New York when he was injured again.
Condon took over for the third period, then started a backto-back series on the weekend against New Jersey, earning a shootout win and an overtime loss. This season, Condon is 8-2-3 with a solid 2.19 goals-against average and a .916 save percentage.
“I’m a lot more comfortable,” said Condon, 25. “I’ve had 14 appearances so far, so every time you go out there it gets a little more familiar and easier.”
General manager Marc Bergevin said he will not go shopping for another goaltender just yet. “I don’t discuss transactions but we’re really comfortable with Mike,” Bergevin said. “I don’t feel there’s a need.”
Zach Fucale was recalled from St. John’s of the American Hockey League Monday to back up Condon.
Dustin Tokarski, who allowed two goals in one period of NHL action this season, was assigned to St. John’s.