Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price participated in practice for a second straight day and is hoping to play before season’s end.
Price, who has missed 66 games with a suspected knee injury, is 10-2-0 with a .934 save percentage this season.
The 28-year-old Anahim Lake, B.C. native won’t play against the Florida Panthers Saturday. The Canadiens will have only three games remaining on their schedule as of Sunday.
“If it happens, great. If it doesn’t happen, I’ll be ready in September regardless,” he said. “I’m going to keep pushing forward.
“I’m also trying to get my game back, too. I haven’t faced shots in three months.”
Last year’s Hart and Vezina Trophy-winning goaltender hasn’t appeared in an NHL game since a Nov. 25 start against the New York Rangers. He left the game after two periods and his team’s season has sunk since.
“It’s been hard mentally. This has been the most trying year of my career. I feel more tired now than I do when I play hockey,” said Price. “Watching – I don’t know how fans do it to be honest. It’s hard to sit and watch and not be able to do anything about it. It’s the hardest part about this process.
“I think I’ve learned a lot of things in the aspect of preparing myself for a long season. I’ve changed a few things like my diet plans and my preparation for practices. As you get older, you have to do more things like that. And I think I can carry that into next year and it will be beneficial.”
Canadiens brass will not be alone in monitoring Price’s return from injury. Team Canada World Cup general manager Doug Armstrong will has a vested interest in the health and level of play Price, who has already been named to Canada’s roster for the September tournament.
Price made it clear he’ll be ready to wear the Maple Leaf when the time comes.
“Absolutely. It’s a long-ways off. I know I’ll be prepared for that.”
Regardless of the Price’s progress, the Canadiens will get a boost in manpower this weekend.
Forwards Brendan Gallagher and Daniel Carr will make their returns from injury against the Panthers.
Gallagher, who suffered a lower-body injury on Mar. 5, will play on a line with Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk. He has 18 goals and 17 assists in 49 games this season.
Carr, who suffered a knee injury on Jan. 25, will join Phillip Danault and Michael McCarron on the team’s fourth line. The rookie has five goals and eight points in 19 games this season.
