Bergevin pleased with Price’s performance so far The Montreal Canadiens general manager says the World Cup serves as the perfect preparation as star goalie returns from a long injury layoff.

Frank Seravalli TSN Senior Hockey Reporter Follow|Archive

TORONTO — Montreal Canadiens general Marc Bergevin relayed Thursday that Carey Price’s form is ahead of where it usually is at this time of year, according to goaltending coach Stephane Waite.

Waite is also serving as Team Canada’s goaltending coach at the World Cup of Hockey.

“Very good,” Bergevin said, describing Price’s play in two exhibition games for Team Canada. “Obviously, he didn’t play for 10 months, so it’s nice to see him back in action and ready to go.

“He’s been healthy for a while now. He’s been working out back in [British Columbia], so everything is on track.”

If Price is able to remain healthy, the fact that he is inching closer to midseason form could mean big things for both Team Canada and the Canadiens.

Last year, Price posted a .934 save percentage and 2.06 goals-against average as the Habs jumped out to a 10-2-0 mark and the best start in franchise history. They fell off a cliff when Price went down with his “lower-body” injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season.

McKenzie: Therrien and Bergevin are not sensitive to any external pressures TSN NHL Insider Bob McKenzie joined OverDrive to discuss the physical play during the exhibition games of the World Cup, how to slow down the 'Young Guns', the structure and organization of the tournament heading into the future, and the supposed rift between Michel Therrien and Max Pacioretty.

On Wednesday night against Team Russia, Price seemed to knock off any lingering rust in his second game back. He started two of Team Canada’s three exhibition games and remained in net for the duration of both. Corey Crawford and Braden Holtby split the middle game, a win over Team USA in Ottawa.

In all, Price finished his World Cup tune-up with an even .900 save percentage, stopping 45 of 50 shots faced. Four of the five goals he allowed were at even strength; one was on the power play.

Price is expected to start when Canada opens the tournament against Team Czech Republic on Saturday night at Air Canada Centre. Bergevin said the World Cup will serve as the perfect preparation for the Canadiens’ regular season.

“I think that’s safe to say,” Bergevin said. “With training camp, we try to split the goalies. But now, he’s going to have some games that mean [something] huge as far as what it means to him. I would say every team’s start is huge. You can overcome a lot of things, but you have to have a good start. In the past, we’ve had good starts, so we’re planning on starting strong again.”

Bergevin, who is serving as a Team Canada assistant general manager under Doug Armstrong, is already getting a chance to work with newly acquired defenceman Shea Weber. But Bergevin said he wants Weber to concentrate on the World Cup before talking to him further about expectations for the Canadiens’ season.

“We’ll probably chat before the season starts, when this is all over,” Bergevin said. “We know what we’re getting: great person, great leader, tremendous hockey player. We’re looking forward to having him in Montreal.”

Contact Frank Seravalli on Twitter: @frank_seravalli