Price: A Jake Allen fan already

MONTREAL - Goaltender Carey Price has a new playing partner this season, and he couldn't be happier.

Price hit the ice with Jake Allen on Monday at the Bell Sports Complex as the pair began the process of developing the all-important chemistry between a starter and his backup.
It was back on September 2 that the Canadiens acquired Allen, 30, from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a pair of picks in the 2020 NHL Draft, adding a veteran with 289 games of NHL experience and a Stanley Cup ring into the mix to play behind the seven-time All-Star.
Price believes the tandem will be effective going forward.
"He's a great goaltender. He's a solid addition to our team," praised Price, just over a week shy of beginning his 14th season in the NHL ranks. "He's going to complement me well. He's going to log some quality minutes for us."

How much action Allen will see in goal remains a mystery right now. Price indicated that he hasn't discussed the division of duties with the coaching staff as of yet, but the topic will undoubtedly come up soon.
With a condensed 56-game regular season schedule on the horizon, though, the consummate workhorse is thrilled to have a seasoned netminder by his side ready to step up and deliver when called upon.
In short, splitting the workload isn't out of the question.
"It's definitely the trend," mentioned Price. "With the schedule we have coming up in the season, I don't doubt a lot of teams are going to be doing this. I've never been one to want to give the net up, but it seems to be a winning formula."
Price and Allen actually connected via text message in the fall, so there's already some basic familiarity which will undoubtedly grow as training camp continues.
They also share common interests like country music, hunting and fishing, so expect the bond between the two to solidify rather quickly.
"We're just getting to know each other. We're going to have some time to sit down and shoot the breeze," said Price. "I'm looking forward to getting to know him a little bit better."

Like the rest of his teammates, Price was eager to finally lace up his skates for the first practice session on the South Shore.
During his post-workout media availability, the 33-year-old Anahim Lake, BC native revealed that he prepared for training camp in Washington state with the help of his former Junior club.
"I had access to the Tri-City Americans (WHL) training facility. I've definitely got to give a big thanks to [general manager] Bob Tory. I had access to an ice surface there," said Price. "I had former Tri-City captain, Beau McCue, shooting on me, so I had a great training partner. I have to thank him a lot for that."