But sometimes these expectations can really take a toll on these goalies. Sometimes when a rookie goalie comes in and wins a few games immense pressure will be placed upon them—pressure they just can't handle.
Exhibit A, Carey Price
The Habs were struggling with goaltending—enter Carey Price. Price came in from the AHL in the '07-'08 season and played outstanding. Outstanding enough to be compared to the next Patrick Roy. No doubt, these comparisons put immense pressure on a rookie goaltender at the tender age of 20.
At first there was really no difference in his game as he led the Canadiens to a surprising first seed in the Eastern Conference. After beating rival Boston in seven games the Habs fell to the Flyers 4-1 in the second round of the playoffs.
Next season and this current season (to an extent) Price has shown a great decrease in his game—which can be accredited to the pressure that was put on him.
Last year the Habs were down 3-0 in a series against rival Boston again, and down 4-1 in the game in the second period. The hometown fans sarcastically cheered Price as he made a save and he waved, both arms up, to the fans.
The pressure cooker that is Montreal was getting to him.
Not to take anything away from Price right now though, he does steal the odd game for the Habs—but right now Halak is the better goaltender and finally Halak has been getting the credit he deserves. Prices' stats haven't been horrible the past two years, but he hasn't been getting the wins—Halak has.
The Habs would continually play Price even after he played a horrible game. Game after game he would g...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
