Updates from practice - April 4

MONTREAL -- The Canadiens practiced at the Bell Centre on Monday.

The club held a rare skate downtown because of team photo day, which occurs twice every season, including after the trade deadline.

Carey Price was back at practice with the rest of the group as he continued his quest to return to the lineup before the end of the season. Price is still rehabbing from knee surgery.
Brendan Gallagher, meanwhile, skated with a regular practice jersey. He's hoping to play on Tuesday night against Ottawa. Gallagher suffered a lower-body injury on March 17 versus Dallas.

Michael Pezzetta practiced, but sported a no-contact jersey. He hasn't played since sustaining an upper-body injury against Toronto on March 26.
Price: Still a "tough guy to beat" for Gallagher
While there's no timetable for Price's return, he certainly looked sharp at practice.
Just ask Gallagher, who still struggles to beat him after 10 seasons as teammates.
"He always looks good to me. If you're wondering if I scored on him? The answer's no," joked Gallagher. "He's been working hard. He's eager to go. It's been a challenging year for all of us. He's definitely no different. He's been through a lot. He's worked hard for this, so hopefully he can get back in there soon."

How does the Canadiens' alternate captain know that Price is trending in the right direction recovery-wise
There are some key things that really caught his attention.
"He's a competitive guy. He doesn't like letting in any goals. But, when he's able to push across the crease and really challenge you, I don't think I've ever seen a goalie be able to do something like that," explained Gallagher. "The way he can move side to side, he's square to the puck at all times, he's never out of the net, and when he has that power and that push, he's a tough guy to beat."

Gallagher is pleased to see Price making further progress, of course.
"You're really happy for him, as a teammate, as a friend, and as a guy that's made you look good for 10 years. You're happy to see him back there. You know how much it means to him to get back on the ice," he added. "Even little steps like this, back practicing with the team, meant a lot to him. He's getting closer, so you're excited and happy for the guy."
Gallagher: "I want to get back in the lineup and help the team win"
Gallagher is hungry to suit up after watching the last eight games from the sidelines.
The 29-year-old winger expects to get the green light from team doctors so he can battle the Senators.
It has been a difficult campaign for Gallagher, who has been limited to just 43 appearances due to injury.
"I want to get back in the lineup and help the team win. My focus as a hockey player has never changed. I learned a lot about myself this year. It's been a tough year, but I don't doubt myself or anything like that," said Gallagher, who has 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) this season. "I still feel like I'm the same player I was. I just, for whatever reason, haven't been able to stay healthy. I need the summer to build my body back up, but I'm looking forward to getting back in the lineup and just winning some hockey games and helping my teammates."

The Edmonton native spoke extensively about the role his offseason workout regimen plays in his success.
Short summers have cost him valuable training time that enables him to stay healthy and produce during the grind of an NHL campaign.
"We really only had a month and a bit [after the Stanley Cup Final], and when I look at what I've normally done in the summer, and what I did last summer, you can see it. I think I've been out of the lineup four different times this year. i just haven't been able to maintain it throughout the year," confided Gallagher. "Summer for me, it's probably a little more important than for other players in the league because I'm not here based on a certain level of talent, I'm here because I'm able to compete. I feel like I'm a smart player, and there are certain things that I do well and that I'm able to do well every night. but it takes a toll on the body. I need that time to build it back up, and I'm looking forward to that."

Fellow veteran Jake Allen discussed Gallagher's incredible work ethic.
He fully appreciates everything No. 11 brings to the table.
"He's a warrior. There aren't that many guys in the league that play as hard as him. He's greasy and physical. Not many guys want to play that game. That's why he's very respected around the league and within our team," praised Allen. "The way he plays is very few and far between in this league. I understand that he's battered and bruised, and deservedly so, and for the better, and he did it for this organization. He's a very important piece of this team."