Head coach Claude Julien said as much when he met the media following Saturday's on-ice sessions at training camp, noting that Niemi inking a one-year, $950,000 deal with Montreal was in no way a reflection of Lindgren's standing with the club.
"Yes, there's a battle. Even though we signed Niemi, if one of them is much better than the other, we'll always go with the better goalie," described Julien on Lindgren, who holds the distinction of being just the second Habs rookie to win his first five career games after Ken Dryden first accomplished the feat in 1970-71. "You can't say that Charlie Lindgren has missed his shot; on the contrary."
The Habs' bench boss admitted that Niemi is currently pencilled in for the No. 2 role behind Price after enjoying a stellar comeback season between the pipes in Montreal, but added that the American netminder would still be given his fair shot.
"That won't prevent Lindgren from staying in the race," declared Julien. "He still has a chance to prove himself and earn a spot."
Lindgren, who agreed to a three-year extension with the club taking him through the 2021-22 season, isn't taking anything for granted and knows he's got his work cut out for him if he wants to stay in the big leagues.
"It's the National Hockey League. Just because I signed a deal doesn't mean I'm entitled to anything," shared the Lakeville, MN native. "I know I said it last year: I have to work hard and earn the position. I'm not going to be handed anything here, and that's the way it should be.
"All I can control is my effort and attitude, and I intend to work hard and make a push for the team."