Budaj to replace Price in net for third straight game as Canadiens face Leafs

BROSSARD, Que. - Peter Budaj will make a third straight start in goal when the Montreal Canadiens host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.

Incumbent Carey Price, who suffered a suspected groin injury during a practice this week, underwent treatments Friday while the team held an optional practice.

"He's improving, but he won't play," said coach Michel Therrien.

He listed the goaltender's condition as day to day. Price will accompany the team when it leaves Sunday on a four-game road trip to Los Angeles, Anaheim, Phoenix and San Jose.

"Carey will come back when he's 100 per cent." said Therrien. "With the treatments he's getting, we're confident he will be back fairly soon."

Price aggravated an injury suffered either before or during the Sochi Olympics, where he started five of six games, including the final, to help Canada win a gold medal.

Budaj was in goal for a 2-1 overtime loss to Detroit in Montreal's first post-Olympics game Wednesday and started again for a 6-5 shootout win in Pittsburgh the following night.