Price: Embracing the change

BROSSARD - Carey Price isn't accustomed to splitting the goaltending duties, but he certainly doesn't mind the way things have played out so far this year.

Price has started seven of the Canadiens' 12 games to date, with newcomer Jake Allen getting the nod for the other five, including the team's most recent contest in Ottawa over the weekend.
It was a strategy installed by head coach Claude Julien at the beginning of the season in order to keep Price fresh across a condensed 56-game schedule, and the veteran bench boss is sticking to it.
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That suits the former Hart and Vezina Trophy winner just fine.
"It's not challenging because Jake is playing really well. I'm just trying to focus on practicing right and preparing the right way, so it's allowed me the opportunity to work on things in practice and take some longer practice," explained Price, who has compiled a 4-1-2 record with a 2.81 goals-against average and a .899 save percentage. "It's actually been beneficial for me."

The 33-year-old Anahim Lake, BC native is adamant about taking full advantage of those lengthy on-ice sessions to "practice wisely" and hone his craft alongside Allen and fellow netminder Charlie Lindgren under the watchful eye of goaltending coach Stephane Waite.
Price can't say enough about the good he feels these extended workouts are doing for his game now that his traditional workload has been substantially reduced.
"It's been huge. I really enjoy having Charlie here. He's got a great attitude about being the third guy. I couldn't ask for a better guy here with me and Jake," praised the 14-year NHL veteran. "We're able to take more reps with Steph in certain situations. We're able to step aside and work on things that might benefit our game a little bit more. I think it's a very smart play going forward."

Remember that Price has started over 60 games on five occasions over the years, including a career-high 70 in 2010-11, so he's clearly taken to the switch in circumstances rather well.
As for his relationship with Allen, the former fifth-overall selection says the pair are clicking and he appreciates the fact that his counterpart is always willing to share some valuable insight.
"Jake thinks the game very well. It's nice to come to the bench in a TV timeout and maybe ask him what he saw in a certain play. He's very, very knowledgeable and very alert on the bench," revealed Price. "It's been awesome working with him so far."

Given that Allen got the nod in the nation's capital, it will likely be Price's turn in between the pipes for Wednesday night's contest against the League-leading Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre.
Price has participated in the Original Six battle 46 times already, posting a 26-15-5 record along the way, but it never gets old.
"I always found them very exciting to get up for, regardless of our position in the standings. It's a classic rivalry. They're fun to play in," shared Price, who would be tasked with trying to stop sniper Auston Matthews from scoring in a ninth consecutive game. "He's playing some excellent hockey. His game speaks for itself. He's a powerhouse guy and he's got an amazing shot. It's kind of the same story for every superstar in the League. We have to take his time and space away. It's fun to watch him play out there when I'm not on the ice with him."
'It's an amazing group to play with'
While Price isn't seeing as much rubber as usual these days, he's still enjoying himself.
And why wouldn't he with the way this group has been playing, rattling off the second-most wins in the NHL behind Toronto and ranking first in goal differential, too.
"It's an amazing group to play with. It's probably some of the most fun I've had playing so far. It's honestly just an awesome group to play with. Everybody's got such a good attitude, even when things aren't going their way as an individual," said Price. "They understand the situation and everybody's buying in."

No doubt the squad will be tested during this stretch of three games in four nights, with a home matchup against Edmonton on Thursday and a road matchup against Toronto on Saturday.
That's a lot of firepower to contend with before enjoying a six-day break with no games on the calendar.
"Right now, we're kind of in an odd, slower part of the schedule. I totally understand the situation that we're in, so just use practice wisely and keep preparing for that next start because we know that the tough part of the schedule is coming up," mentioned Price, referencing a series of five games in eight days beginning on February 20 to close out the month. "It's nice to take a step back and not play a lot, but it's no question that it's coming."

As for a self-evaluation, the father of three kept the analysis short and sweet.
"I think I'm playing really well. Never satisfied," insisted Price. "We're playing well as a team, we're putting points on the board, so I'm happy right now."