robert ethan (Posted 2007-12-04 03:24:23)
I'm not that familiar with Jim Carey's background, but I can't see Carey Price flaming out in similar fashion. He will have his ups and downs to be sure, but the style, the athleticism, and the personality won't change much over the years. This is a kid who has been travelling far from home, or living far from home to pursue his career since he was 12 years old. As for his "getting used to the long schedule", I think he played around 75 games in the tough WHL when he was 16 years old, and hasn't played less than that in any year since. Last season, he started in August at the Montreal rookie camp, went through the main camp and exhibition season in September, attended a WJC summer camp, played half a season with the Tri City Americans, then attended a tough World Junior Camp followed by a trip to Finland to play in the high profile (and high pressure) World Championships. Price played every minute of every game for Team Canada, went undefeated, and won the MVP Award. Then back to Tri Cities for the balance of the regular season and playoffs. He signed a pro contract shortly after they were eliminated and showed up in Hamilton to play in 2 of their final 3 regular season AHL games. Then he proceeded to lead the AHL team all the way to the Calder Cup, a pressure filled grind that covered about 2 months and 24 games. Again, he played nearly every minute of every game, won the championship and playoff MVP in the process. He may have had the longest and most amazing hockey season of any goaltender outside of the NHL. All before he turned 20 years of age. Not once in that epic season did Price show any signs of breaking down, phyiscally or mentally. It was a 10 month odessy under the most trying circumstances a teenage athlete could hope to face. Now, barely 20 years old, he is in the NHL, looking like he has been there for years. Price is over 10 years younger than Cristobal Huet, but the team seems much more relaxed and confident playing in front of Carey than they do his 32 year old partner and longtime participant in international and Olympic tournaments. Price is gifted, moreso than pimple faced, mumbling junk food addict (and big time roid user) Patrick Roy ever was. Moreso than dim witted, sheep faced Roberto Luongo, or any other goaltender that has preceeded him to the NHL.

Erik Mielke (Posted 2007-12-03 12:24:19)
Price has the ability to do great things with the HABS in the greatest hockey market.

Jesse Grenier (Posted 2007-12-02 21:05:30)
Patrick Roy also won a cup in his rookie year. If they get the oportunity to start him in the playoffs i hope they take it. I think this kid has the make up to handle the pressure and has proven he thrives in critical situations. If he is playing better than Huet by the deadline let him ride it out and deal Huet while his value is high.