The internet and hockey world have been a buzz over the past 24 hours following Carey Price's statements to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman...
“P.K. is an offensive defenseman and a risk-taker. That’s made him successful, that’s the way he plays the game. He doesn’t want to change that and I respect that. I respect the way that he plays the game...his type of enthusiasm and his ability to raise fans out of their seats,… said Price. “That’s a special gift and something that not very many players are able to do. But the way we’re coached on our team, the way our team is structured, that’s not what were looking for. We’re looking for a steady type of defenseman that makes quick plays and is able to move the puck right away. Shea fits that bill perfectly.…
Price also added he was surprised, but could have seen it coming...
"I had an idea that it was possible. The way our game is structured and the way P.K. plays…we’re headed in a different direction.…
Is that Price throwing head coach Therrien under the bus?
Not exactly. It can be viewed that way for sure and Therrien has his share of detractors. I am not the biggest fan of his methods. But what is clear and also not being mentioned is Price's line, "We’re looking for a steady type of defenseman that makes quick plays and is able to move the puck right away. Shea fits that bill perfectly.…
Price himself is all about structure. Has there EVER been a more perfectly structured goalie than Carey Price? He is always in perfect position and always on his angles. He is the epitome of a percentage goalie and to play the percentages you need steady and predictable D-men.
Subban is an awesome talent, but to call him predictable would be entirely wrong. Just not his game. He is all about creativity and skill. His unpredictability is honestly what makes PK what he is. I can imagine that Price will be far more at home with Shea Weber. Shea is creative as well, no question, and on the power play especially creative and deadly...but in his own zone Shea will make the correct, high percentage play ALL the time. This fits Price's game to a T.
So while yes, if the Habs had a different coach PK would more likely have NOT been dealt it needs to be noted that the most important player on this team is still Price, and Therrien's style on the ice works best for Price's game.
Off the ice and "in the room" Therrien may be a whole different set of problems of course.
What say you?
We will discuss all of this and more on today's HockeyBuzzCast EARLY Edition...at 11 am ET
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) April 26, 2016