Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien said he hopes Carey Price’s nagging injury won’t keep the star goaltender out of action for long.
Julien updated Price’s status Friday, a day after the team announced the goalie was staying behind for the Canadiens’ three-game road trip which started Friday against the Florida Panthers.
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Julien didn’t disclose the exact nature of Price’s injury, but he called it “more of an irritation than anything else” that has been bothering Price for a while.
The coach said the team had been able to manage the injury, but it flared up Friday as Price was unable to finish practice.
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Julien said it was “prudent” to give Price a four-day break and have him examined by a doctor and hopes the injury is a “day-to-day situation.”
Price, who was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 22, has played in 30 games this season, posting a 15-10-4 record with a 2.84 goals-against average and .904 save percentage.
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After taking on Florida, the Canadiens face the NHL-leading Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday and the Dallas Stars on Monday.
The Canadiens recalled goalie Michael McNiven from AHL Laval to back up Antti Niemi on the road trip.