By J.D. Lagrange, Senior Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

Félix J. Palma once wrote: “The passage of time, which transformed the volatile present into that finished, unalterable painting called the past, a canvas man always executed blindly, with erratic brushstrokes that only made sense when one stepped far enough away from it to be able to admire it as a whole.”

PENTICTON, BC. – Like good art, the development of a player cannot be judged at the first stroke of the brush, or when he is drafted. It takes time for all components come together before being able to judge the true value, capture the essence and the intangibles making or breaking the master-piece.

From the day he was drafted, people questioned Bob Gainey and Trevor Timmins and their decision to select Carey Price with the fifth overall pick of the 2005 Entry Draft. So-called experts were on record saying that the likes of Anze Kopitar, Marc Staal and even Gilbert Brule were better choices for the Canadiens. Don’t take my word for it, listen for yourself:

It didn’t stop there. How many were ready to drive Price to the airport, trade him and keep the flavour of the month Jaroslav Halak when, for a relatively short span, he outplayed his counterpart? I would guess half the fanbase and many in the media are on record on some fan forums, in some blogs or elsewhere asking for Price’s head.

This exercise is not as much for pointing fingers as it is to prove to everyone that patience is a virtue and that when you’re talking about a young prospect, no one, as educated in the matter as they might be, can positively predict the development, the ceiling that an 18-20 year old will attain at the peak of his career. For that reason, people need to stop making statements like it’s the ultimate truth when involving draft picks and/or prospects, or when judging of the early success (or lack of thereof) of a young player. You don’t know. I don’t know. Time will tell. We can vividly remember how the Habs gave away pending UFA Craig Rivet for a no-name undrafted defenseman (Josh Gorges) and a late first round pick (Max Pacioretty.)

NEW FRANCHISE RECORD HOLDER

This season, Price has recorded a franchise record 44 wins. The previous record of 42 was held by Jacques Plante, who had reached that mark twice in 1955-56 and 1961-62, and Ken Dryden who matched it in 1975-76.

While former Canadiens’ goaltender and now TVA Sports analyst Jose Theodore attempted to diminish Price’s feat by mentioning his overtime and shootout wins (total of five wins this season), we cannot forget that both Plante and Dryden were playing on dynasties back in those days. Price did not have the benefit of having the Rocket, Jean Béliveau, Dickie Moore and Doug Harvey, nor did he have the Big Three either.

Also, let’s not forget that Price’s team only scored a grand total of 221 goals this season. Jacques Plante only benefited of 222 goals for back in 1955-56, but that was in 70 games. Those 222 goals are the equivalent of 260 goals in an 82 games schedule, which is 39 more than Price’s goal support. It’s fair to ask how many more wins Price would have gotten with another 40 goals or so to help him out.

I found that Theodore, who was the last Habs’ player to win the Hart Trophy, missed a good chance to keep quiet and should have congratulated Price instead of attempting to diminish his record season. The point might have some validity, but it made him look a bit childish and somewhat selfish.

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

While a strong case can be made for Alexander Ovechkin competing with Carey Price for the Hart Trophy, I don’t know that anyone else comes close to those two, not this season. Ovechkin finished the season with 53 goals, which is 10 more than the runner-up Steven Stamkos, a substantial difference. For that, Ovechkin will be getting the Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s best goal scorer. But despite those goals, three players finished ahead of Ovy in the scoring title, capped by Jamie Benn and his 87 points. John Tavares and Sidney Crosby also finished ahead of the dynamic Russian, who is tied with Flyers’ Jakub Voracek with 81 points.

The 87 points total to win the scoring race is the lowest recorded in the NHL in a non-shorten season since 1967-1968 when Stan Mikita also accumulated 87 points to lead the league. Not really Hart-worthy if you ask me!

On defense, you have a handful of players who are close in points and will received considerations for the Norris Trophy. As offense seems to always draw attention, Erik Karlsson (plus-7) should receive some attention with his 66 points, but that’s only six more points than Brent Burns (minus-9) and P.K. Subban (plus-21).

THE DOMINANCE IS IN GOAL

It’s in front of the net that we saw the biggest dominance this season and no one has dominated his position more than Carey Price. Let’s have a quick look at where the Canadiens’ goaltender ranking in all major categories this season:

• 1.96 GAA – 1st in the NHL
• .933 Sv% – 1st in the NHL
• 44 wins – 1st in the NHL, Canadiens’ franchise record
• 9 Shutouts – Tied for 1st in the NHL
• 10 consecutive wins on the road – franchise record

How dominant is that? Is there anyone, at any given position, who comes remotely close to owning his position more than Price? For that reason, it would be a travesty if he doesn’t win the Hart Trophy hands down.

Go Habs Go!