Heartbreaking report involving Carey Price in Montreal today…

The Montreal Canadiens offered their fanbase an exciting win on Thursday night, beating the visiting Arizona Coyotes 6-2. The team gave it all to their fans: first overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky scored his first NHL goal, rookie defenseman Arber Xhekaj laid the boom on Zack Kassian and captain Nick Suzuki dazzled the crowd as he pulled off his best Pavel Datsyuk impression on a penalty shot.

It was all there.

Wish we could say the same about Friday’s team photo, which took place being closed doors at the Bell Center. No media was allowed in and so updates on what was taking place came in slowly. However, RDS’ Andrée-Anne Barbeau revealed that goalie Carey Price was not in the picture. General manager Kent Hughes was also absent.

We all know, unless you’ve been living under a rock, that Price is sidelined by injuries and unlikely to play again. But fans and teammates have been so inspired by him. When the Habs held their season opener at the Bell Center last week, Price stepped out in a suit with a cowboy hat on and saluted fans even shook some hands as the crowd chanted him name. He received an emotional ovation.

The goalie is expected to meet with the media next week, and while many don’t expect him to announce his retirement (yet), you have to wonder how his absence from the team’s picture plays into this.

The Canadiens could have had him dressed in a suit, and as a member of the team, where he still belongs. But fact remains that he cannot play. Maybe it's just reality kicking in. 

But we cannot explain his absence and it might be nothing. Maybe Price was not in town at the moment or maybe he is undergoing treatment for his many injuries. As for GM Hughes, there might have been an emergency of some sort - and who knows, many both men will be added on to the picture before it is presented online.

Head coach Martin St. Louis spoke with some reporters once they were allowed in to talk about Saturday’s contest against the Dallas Stars. He is hoping his players stay focused and on course to earn another win this weekend.