Gallagher on Price: 'It hasn't come without hard work'

BROSSARD - While the Canadiens will still be participating in a formal team photo session on March 22, Claude Julien's troops gathered for an extra special group picture on Tuesday night.

The shot was taken in the locker room shortly after Carey Price officially became the winningest goaltender in franchise history, surpassing Hall of Famer Jacques Plante with the 315th victory of his career.

It really was the perfect way for Price and his teammates to commemorate a historic accomplishment.
Assistant captain Brendan Gallagher believes it was the seven-time All-Star himself who requested that everyone get together for the unique memento.
"I think that was his idea. I could be wrong. I think he wanted that," said Gallagher, before the Habs departed for their road trip to Long Island on Wednesday. "I know it meant a lot to him. He has been through a lot here in this city and with this team. He's got a long way to go still, which is pretty cool to think about. But, I think it was a very cool moment. It was pretty special for all of us to be a part of."
A big fan of team photos, Gallagher will proudly add this brand new one to his collection.
"I keep all of our team pictures. It's kind of nice to look back at all the different teammates that you had," mentioned Gallagher. "That's certainly one of those special moments. He definitely deserved it. He played a hell of a game and made some pretty big saves to get that record. It's something he'll remember, but I think all of us will remember it."

A photograph like that isn't just a souvenir, though, according to Phillip Danault. It's a sign of being an all-around tight-knit group.
"Our chemistry has been incredible since the start of the season. That's what has helped us win a lot of games," explained Danault. "We play together and we respect the system. It's a type of chemistry that can take us very far."
Like Danault, Julien believes the picture perfectly illustrated the solid relationship between all of his players.
"We talked about how important team chemistry was. You hear a lot of coaches talk about that, and sometimes people think it's an overrated statement. But at the end of the day, it really is an important part of the success of a team. When you're in it together, everybody in that picture is happy to be standing there next to Carey and is happy for his accomplishment," said Julien. "We're in it together from the start until the end. It says a lot about our group right now. It's been like that all year. It just gets better and better as the season moves forward."
Praise and respect
The significance of Price's latest feat clearly resonates with Gallagher.
The 26-year-old right-winger believes that in addition to celebrating Price's accomplishment, reflecting on his extensive body of work is important as well.
"It's probably a good time to step back and appreciate how good he's been for a really long time," said Gallagher. "It hasn't come without hard work. He's very deserving of it. You guys see a little bit of it, we get to see the whole package. There's a reason he's the best goalie in the world. There's a reason he has the respect of everyone around the League, everyone who's got the chance to play with him. You see how hard he competes, how hard he battles and makes us look better than we are. It's definitely been nice to be a part of these things with him."

And Gallagher expects his good buddy to keep on piling up the victories season after season.
"It's going to be a pretty high number that you don't think will ever be reached. He's a generational talent. You don't get the chance to see goaltenders with his ability sustain it for so long. It's pretty special," praised Gallagher. "It's cool for the organization to look at, it's very cool for him. Whenever you're setting records for this team, it's not an easy record to touch. He passed some pretty talented goaltenders along the way and I think that's what makes it extra special for him."