Despite loss, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price has 'heartwarming' return to ice

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price lost to the New York Islanders on Friday night, but nothing could dampen the positive vibes around Bell Centre as the franchise star played his first NHL game since July 7, 2021.

Price made 17 saves in the 3-0 loss to the Islanders in a battle of two teams out of the playoff picture.

«It's definitely been a trying season, for myself on a personal level and for the team. I didn't feel quite normal, but pretty close,» Price said after the game.

Price, 34, hasn't appeared in an NHL game since Game 5 of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, when Montreal was eliminated by the Tampa Bay Lightning. The next several months were tumultuous for Price. He had offseason knee surgery. He waived his no-movement clause to be left unprotected in the Seattle Kraken expansion draft — the thought being that his massive contract would deter Seattle from selected him, and he wasn't taken. On Oct. 7, Price voluntarily entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program for what he said was substance abuse.

«Over the last few years, I have let myself get to a very dark place and I didn't have the tools to cope with that struggle,» Price said at the time.

Price returned the Canadiens in late 2021, but his road back hit several setbacks, including a lengthier than expected recovery from his surgery and a non-COVID-related illness that took him out of action.

«It's been a lot of hard work. Not only by myself but by the training staff,» Price said.

His return to the Canadiens' crease was welcomed by his teammates.

«I'm incredibly happy that he could play tonight. Finally get into game action. He's a huge part of our team, and it's been tough here for him,» Montreal winger Paul Byron said. «He's a quiet guy. He's got a