Time waits for noone.

Once in a lifetime – a chance arises. Perhaps it’s a date with a beautiful girl. Maybe – a perfect job. A winning lottery ticket ? Whatever the case may be – often; it’s your only shot of glory.

Montreal netminder Carey Price finds himself in that situation tonight as his team – Les Canadiens, enter game three of The Stanley Cup finals down two games to none. For Price – team history and his own erratic play in the playoffs – have never allowed the winningest netminder in Canadiens history the opportunity to get to third base; let alone, step on home plate.

Depending on what type of Canadiens fan you are; Carey Price is the best netminder in the past ten years in the NHL or he’s an above average goalie prone to moments of weakness. Habitually – the Habs fan who agrees with the former statement also buy into the great corporate marketing machine of both The Canadiens and the NHL. The type who post pics from the Bell Center all over social media but cannot tell anyone facts about the game they just attended.

Canadiens fans who are actual hockey fans – see things accurately. They understand other teams exist and in Price’s case; other goalies exist. They also see the frequency of all the faux pas that have occurred in Price’s post season career. The big saves make the highlight reels – the stinkers; not so much.

Pulled for Halak in the playoffs at the beginning of his career was either a great example of foreshadowing or a curse. Brain cramps or bad luck. Hard to say why someone who can carry a team on his back during a regular season and keep his team compatible with the best in the post season – blinks when the car is headed his way . Like the deer who dies on the side of the road, Price’s teams cease to play on.

For those taking notes at home – time and again with one playoff series exception against Boston; Price has never been able to steal a game or series when it really matters. Even when he stands on his head and heads into the third period with a two goal cushion ( four times this playoff run) he allows the weak goal. The groaner – the backbreaker. Time and again the opposition gets hope. In 2020-21 – compared to most Price teams, the forwards saved him in overtime. It is easy to forget the errors when fans and players bask in victory.

Heading into game three at The Bell Center – Price must steal the game. Everyone is aware that Tampa has the edge in every winning category. Defence , offence, coaching and yes – goaltending. If Price wishes to erase the one asterix from a career that sees him atop the Canadiens’ historic ladder of goaltending greats – tonight is the night to get out the eraser.

Sure winning one game does not guarantee a Stanley Cup. Even if the Habs win tonight – their chances of beating the defending Stanley Cup champs is slim. If Tampa takes a commanding three game lead with a victory ? The Canadiens’ chances of overcoming such a talented team are practically nil.

Regardless of the outcome of the series , Price needs to prove to himself and the true hockey fans – the only way he and his team can be beat is by skill and skill alone. Price and the Habs may lose the championship but then – as a team, they can all skate away with their heads held high. As of now – Price’s head will be slightly bowed.

Time and the Hockey Hall of Fame wait for noone.