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Canada gives Price first start, Luongo goes second

Ottawa Senators v Montreal Canadiens - Game Two

MONTREAL, CANADA - MAY 3: Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens catches the puck in the air in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Ottawa Senators during the 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 3, 2013 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Francois Lacasse/NHLI via Getty Images)

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Roberto Luongo and Ryan Miller started in their respective country’s nets in the 2010 gold medal game, but they won’t represent their countries in their respective opening contests. Carey Price gets Canada’s first start while Luongo goes second, according to various sources including the CBC’s Tim Wharnsby.

In the grand scheme of things, this means Price will face Norway while Luongo squares off against Austria.

Much like with Quick starting the tournament off for the U.S., many will conclude that this means that Canadian head coach Mike Babcock is leaning toward Price as the No. 1.

The truest test might be when Canada faces a more formidable opponent, as neither Norway nor Austria are concerned realistic medal contenders.

Price, 26, is having a better statistical season and comes into Sochi with a three-game winning streak. Conversely, Luongo, 34, lost his last five games and six of seven overall. Of course, he’s also the guy with a gold medal start on his resume, so this is far from a slam dunk.

Follow James O’Brien @cyclelikesedins