World Cup of Hockey 2016: Get to know Canada’s Goalies

Carey Price last played an NHL game on November 25, 2015. If he’s healthy, he’s still the best goalie on Team Canada, if not the world. That’s a big if, because while Price may be physically fit to play there’s no telling whether he’ll be in game shape — or if the Canadiens want him to get much playing time before suiting up for the Habs.

If that’s the case, the Canadiens have a couple solid netminding options. Braden Holtby is the obvious next man up after a brilliant 2015-16 campaign that admittedly started a lot better than it finished. A lot of teams will do worse than starting a Holtby-level netminder in this tournament.

Of course it wouldn’t exactly be a crime to start Corey Crawford, a solid if unspectacular replacement level goalie. He’s good, not great, but given Canada’s strengths all over the ice it wouldn’t be much of a hinderance if Crawford gets a start or two to rest the others.

Team Canada Goalies

Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks; Braden Holtby, Washington Capitals; Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens

Group: A

First Game: Team Czech Republic vs. Team Canada, 5 p.m. PT, Sept. 17, ESPNEWS