Montreal Canadiens: Top 3 takeaways from Game 1 win against Penguins

3. The (Carey)Price Is Right

Carey Price was outstanding for the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. The Canadiens didn’t deserve to win because of how terribly they played in the first 20 minutes. Yet Price did exactly what the team’s paying over $10 million a year to do – he saved their butts. He had to be on his game early, as the Penguins peppered him with 18 first-period shots. Price stood tall.

The Penguins were able to get back in the game, but Price didn’t let things get out of control. He was calm, collected, and in charge. In other words, Price looked about as good as he’s looked since the 2014-15 season.

The Canadiens should be thrilled about that. But at the same time, they need to play better in front of him. You can’t win consistently in the playoffs if you’re expecting your goalie to be your best player. The Canadiens have a lot to work on before Game 2. They probably shouldn’t have won in Game 1, but Price made sure they did.

It was a vintage performance from Price and it’s one the Canadiens will need more of moving forward. If this is the Carey Price that will be playing moving forward, Montreal could be a force to be reckoned with.