Fans who followed the Montreal Canadiens during the 2010s will recall goaltender Carey Price and defenseman P.K. Subban celebrating victories together with their signature “triple low five.” Although then-head coach Michel Therrien eventually banned the routine for being too individualistic, he could not disrupt the strong bond and friendship between the two star players.
Subban Reflects on Price’s Pressure
As prominent figures on the Canadiens roster, both athletes drew immense media attention and public scrutiny during their time in Montreal. In an interview with NHL.com, Subban emphasized the unique magnitude of Price’s presence in the city.
Subban noted that the Canadiens will likely not see another goaltender generate that level of discussion until someone brings a Stanley Cup to Montreal, adding that even a championship might not surpass it. He highlighted the difficulty of entering the NHL at a young age, stepping into the net immediately, and navigating the intense scrutiny of the Montreal market as a young professional.
Subban stated that handling those demands and continuing to perform was remarkable. He added that overcoming those pressures speaks more to Price’s character as a person than winning a championship trophy.
Enduring the Montreal Spotlight
During that era, Bell Centre crowds featured a high concentration of number 31 jerseys in the stands. The constant attention eventually reached a point where Price shared that he could no longer go grocery shopping without interruption.
While the heavy spotlight appeared overwhelming at times, Price persevered through the intense environment without requesting a trade. Although he once famously asked the media to “chill out” during a preseason press scrum, he generally maintained his composure regardless of the mounting pressure and relentless public attention.
