MONTREAL (AP) - Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will miss the rest of first-round playoff series with the Ottawa Senators because of a lower-body injury.

The team announced the decision Thursday before Game 5, with Montreal trailing 3-1 and facing possible elimination. Price has struggled during the series and appeared to hurt his groin late in regulation of Game 4.

With Price out, Peter Budaj is to make his first career playoff start. Robert Mayer of the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs is his backup.

The Canadiens have been hit hard by injuries. A day earlier, captain Brian Gionta was ruled out for the rest of the playoffs with a torn left biceps tendon. He is to have surgery Friday. Also injured are forwards Lars Eller, Brandon Prust and Ryan White.

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