Editor’s Note: This story was included in The Athletic’s Best of 2019. See the full list.



RALEIGH, N.C. – Carey Price was upset, and a little more than usual following a loss.



As soon as Andrei Svechnikov’s shot flew past him in overtime, Price began the long skate across the ice to the visitor’s dressing room, hunched over as he crossed the red line, alone with his thoughts. Phillip Danault came over and gave him a pat on the ass as Price left the ice and headed for the tunnel.



This was a big game. Had the Montreal Canadiens won it in overtime, they would have been one point behind the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Instead, the Canadiens were three points back, and only two up on the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team that ultimately passed them to grab the last spot.



Price was livid, steaming at his locker as he got undressed and beckoning the media to get his postgame duties over with as...