Important statement by Therrien on the Kreider/Price incident: Gallagher responds to the debate in a clearer way

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Jeff Drouin
October 28, 2022 (12:37)

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This week, Carey Price's file has been the subject of much discussion, following his press conference earlier this week, and several players had the opportunity to express their opinions.

One of the topics that came up a lot more frequently was the infamous contact between Carey Price and Chris Kreider during the 2014 playoffs:

Many fans and pundits are convinced that if it weren't for that contact, Carey Price would still be playing hockey today.

Another topic that is the subject of much discussion in relation to this event is whether or not this contact deprived the Montreal Canadiens of a Stanley Cup, or at least of an appearance in the finals.

Check out what former Habs head coach Michel Therrien had to say about it:

"He was capable of taking a team from B to A," said Therrien, who likes to tease his friend Alain Vigneault that the CH would have beaten the New York Rangers in the 2014 Eastern finals, if not for the injury to their star goalie." - TVA Sports

A little joke between the two individuals, but most likely with a big truth behind it.

For his part, Brendan Gallagher responded to this debate in a more clear and direct way:

"[...] it would be fair to say that he would have gotten us there another time if he hadn't gotten hurt (in the 2014 conference finals, Chris Kreider's famous year). He's just done so much throughout his career. I think when you look at the names and the jerseys up there -I understand all the cuts- people came specifically to see these players. Pricey was the guy people came to see."

- Brendan Gallagher

A nice plea from Gallagher, who was making a case for the Canadiens to retire Carey's number 31.

All this to throw the ultimate question at you in turn. In your opinion, were it not for the injury Carey Price suffered in 2014, do you think the star goalie would have a Stanley Cup in the bank today? Do you think the Tricolore would have made it to the finals that year?

Credit: TVA Sports