MTL@EDM: Allen gets the nod

EDMONTON - After starting the first two games of the season, goaltender Carey Price will get some well-deserved rest on Monday night.

Newcomer Jake Allen will make his Habs debut against the Oilers at Rogers Place.
It was back in September that the Canadiens acquired the 30-year-old Fredericton, NB native's services from the St. Louis Blues where he'd spent his entire career to date.
According to head coach Claude Julien, we should be seeing a lot of Allen this year, which should help to keep Price as fresh as possible over the course of a condensed schedule.
"It is part of the plan, not just a plan of getting him some work, but also sharing the net this year with Carey. We know Carey will play more games, again hoping that everybody stays healthy, that he would play more games than Jake. I think we all know that, but at the same time, we want to make sure that throughout the whole season he has his fair share of work, that he helps us win some games as well and helps give Carey a rest at the same time," explained Julien. "If we can have both goaltenders sharp and fresh on most nights, it's going to be to our advantage."

Allen enters the contest with a 7-6-1 record in 14 career appearances versus Edmonton, along with a 2.45 goals-against average and a .910 save percentage.
The Canadiens' No. 34 will undoubtedly be put to the test in the Albertan capital, especially after the way things played out over the weekend when his teammates posted an impressive 5-1 victory and kept sharpshooters Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl from doing any significant damage.
They'll both be hungry to rebound, as will the rest of the Oilers, so Julien's players will have to be extra sharp again and lend Allen a helping hand.
"I think we know what kind of compete and work ethic that we brought to both games. It's kind of ingrained in all of us right now. We know we have to compete against every team. It's going to be a battle all year, especially playing games against the same teams in consecutive days, so we know they're going to be better," said forward Nick Suzuki, referencing the Habs' work ethic so far this season. "They came off a back-to-back and then played us the other day, so it's going to be a more competitive game. They'll be more rested, and we've got to get a good jump off the start."

'I think we've built a lot of chemistry'
Speaking of Suzuki, the 21-year-old centerman made the highlight-reel with this sweet maneuver to evade Oilers pivot Dominik Kahun on Saturday night.

He also collected an assist in the game and dished out four hits as well.
It's plain to see that the NHL sophomore is feeling at ease with new linemates Jonathan Drouin and Josh Anderson.
"I think we've built a lot of chemistry. We're having fun playing together, coming to the rink every day together for practice and in games," mentioned Suzuki, whose trio combined for six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in the season opener against the Maple Leafs. "I think we've had two solid games and we just want to keep that building moving forward. "

While Suzuki characterizes his play as "solid" right now, he insists he still has a lot more to give.
It's just a matter of getting a genuine feel for the speed of the action again following an abbreviated training camp.
"I know there's room for improvement, just kind of getting back into game pace and mentally just making the right decisions and making the best plays possible," added Suzuki. "It's definitely coming back, and as we get going here, I think my game will pick up a little bit."
Fortunately, the former 13th overall selection can lean on veteran Phillip Danault for advice anytime he needs it.
"He's been a big mentor to all of us, especially me. I get to sit beside him in the dressing room at the practice facility in Brossard. I'm always talking to him," said Suzuki. "It's been a lot of fun learning off him and I think we've all gotten better because of him."
Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. ET.
You can watch the game on TSN2 and RDS, and listen to all the action on TSN Radio 690 and 98,5 FM.