Carey Price made a nice save in his first game of the season to keep the Islanders off the board. (0:23)
Carey Price lost to the New York Islanders on Friday night, but that didn't deter the positive vibes around Bell Centre as the franchise star played his first NHL game in over a year.
In a battle of two teams out of the playoffs, Price made 17 saves in the loss to the Islanders.
It has been a trying season for myself and the team. Price said after the game that he didn't feel normal, but close.
Price hasn't appeared in an NHL game since Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final when Montreal was eliminated. The next few months were difficult for Price. He had knee surgery. He decided to waive his no-movement clause so that Seattle would not pick him in the expansion draft. On October 7, Price entered the player assistance program for substance abuse.
Over the last few years, I have let myself get to a very dark place and I didn't have the tools to cope with that struggle.
The road back for Price was rocky, including a longer than expected recovery from his surgery and a non-COVID-related illness that took him out of action.
It has been a lot of hard work. Price said that it wasn't only by himself but by the training staff.
His teammates welcomed him back to the crease.
I am happy that he was able to play tonight. Get into the game action. He is a huge part of our team, and it has been difficult for him here. He has a calm demeanor to him. I know how much that meant to him and his family.
The Price family was in attendance for his return to the NHL, and he greeted it during the warm ups, including his 1-year-old son Lincoln, who was watching his father play in person for the first time.
Price said that he was put off by his mask and equipment. Things were kept in perspective.
There were small moments for Price. He received a standing applause when his name was announced as the starter.
It was a lot of fun. It was touching. He said it made him feel wanted.
Price made his first save on a shot by Kyle Palmieri in the first minute of the game. The crowd roared when they heard about the moment. After a victory, the Habs would personally congratulate Price. Price lifted his stick in appreciation after the fans at Bell Centre gave him another ovation.
Price has been in the NHL for 15 years. He has a career record of 358-258-79 in 707 games with the Habs. The Vezina Trophy was won by Price as the league's top goaltender.
The average annual contract value is $10.5 million. The Habs had a difficult season, finishing last in the Eastern Conference after reaching the Stanley Cup Final.
Price said it was difficult for him when he wasn't able to help his teammates.
I missed it a lot. When you are on the sideline, you are a part of the team, but you are not part of the process.
The team has seven games left in the season.
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