It may be time to get nervous if you’re a Montreal Canadiens fan.
Star goalie Carey Price skated for five minutes ahead of this morning’s optional practice in Brossard, Quebec and did not participate with the main group, as The Canadian Press shares.
Price worked with goaltending coach Stephane Waite before heading off. Goalies Peter Budaj and Dustin Tokarski took part in the regular practice. Price was crashed into by New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider in the second period of Montreal’s 7-2 Game 1 loss.
Price seul avec Stéphane Waite ce matin, une heure avant ses coéquipiers...Pas nécessairement bon signe... pic.twitter.com/DWypF04UYr
— Chantal Machabee (@ChantalMachabee) May 18, 2014
Kreider was tripped up on a break in on Price and bowled through him. Price immediately grabbed his right knee but finished the period. Coach Michel Therrien pulled Price after the period to protect him and not because he was injured.
That latter part is still up for debate, however. If there’s an upside to this for Habs fans it’s that it was an optional practice meaning Price doesn’t have to take part in it.
Therrien said after practice it was a “therapy day” for Price, but wasn’t exactly encouraging when asked if he can go in Game 2.
"I can't tell you that right now," - Michel Therrien when asked if he has any doubt if Carey Price will play Monday.
— Arpon Basu (@ArponBasu) May 18, 2014
Peter Budaj said he’s ready to go if called upon. Buckle up, Habs fans.