The Montreal Canadiens, already the best team in the NHL, are about to get a big boost. Goaltender Carey Price returned to practice on Wednesday, taking the ice for his first full training session since suffering an undisclosed injury against the Edmonton Oilers earlier this season.
It appears that #Habs Price could take part in his first full practice since sustaining his lower body injury. #TSN pic.twitter.com/5jbl5kWHwU
— John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) November 18, 2015
Price has been out of the lineup since Oct. 29, with a lower-body injury that the surging Habs chose not to elaborate on. On Monday, Price took his first step to a return, handling shots from Montreal goaltending coach Stephane Wait. "He's progressing, we're glad," Canadiens head coach Michel Therrien said then, via Eric Engels of Sportsnet. "But this is too early to talk about a comeback. The good news is that he's progressing well." And while it may still be too early to talk about a comeback, Price continues to inch closer to his return date. Per John Lu of TSN Montreal, Price said he "feels good," but added that he needs to work on his timing. He also remained non-committal on a firm date of return.
#Habs Price says he feels good and needs to work on his timing, but is non-committal about a return date. — John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) November 18, 2015
Price also would not confirm to Lu at what point during the Oilers game the injury occurred or whether it's an aggravation of an old injury, or a new issue entirely.
#Habs Price confirms the injury occurred in Edmonton, but will not reveal when it happened or whether it's a new or old issue. — John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) November 18, 2015
And for those Habs fans concerned that Price traveling to New York for a second opinion could indicate a more severe injury than initially thought, Price indicated it was just something he chose to do because, well, he suddenly had time on his hands. "I had time to do it, so why not?," Price told Lu.
Re: 2nd opinion in NY, #Habs Price says he trusts team doctors but "I had time to do it, so why not?" adding many players seek 2nd opinion. — John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) November 18, 2015
In the end, Therrien reiterated that he will allow Price to be the one to decide when he's "100 percent ready to play."
#Habs Therrien says even though Price is back to full practice, Carey will be the one who decides when he is 100% ready to play. — John Lu (@JohnLuTSNMtl) November 18, 2015
With the Habs rolling along as they are and sitting in a three-way tie atop the entire league with the Rangers and the Stars, there's really no need for Price to rush himself back. It's probably in the team's best interest for Price to rest up and ensure that he's ready for what is already expected to be a deep postseason run.
