TORONTO -- Even though Montreal Canadiens players bristle at the notion that their success is driven by Carey Price, the goaltender provided another reminder of that at the start of a new season.
Price made 36 saves as the Canadiens beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 Wednesday night in the season opener.
The Leafs controlled much of the play and outshot the Habs 37-30 in the first regular-season game under new coach Mike Babcock. But Price, the reigning Hart and Vezina Trophy winner, was there to stop the puck almost every time.
The only goal Toronto got past Price was on an impossible deflection in front of the net off James van Riemsdyk's left skate.