Through Dec. 19, Price has posted a 9-6-2 record with a 2.72 goals-against-average and a .915 save percentage.

“He’s been great since the beginning of the season and he gives us a lot of confidence,” Habs sniper Alex Kovalev told me. “Every time he’s making stops, we’re trying to get goals for him. He’s a great kid. He carries himself very well, [he’s] really stable and confident in the net, and calm, and that’s important for goalies.”

This calm and collected rising star will get better with more experience under his belt. Already, he makes his job seem effortless to those watching. He appears to be one step ahead of the play, finds himself in an excellent position to stone his opponents and utilizes his big frame extremely well.

How does he do it? What’s his secret?

“I’m just trying to fill up a lot of net and make the guy hit a small target, or make him make a good move,” Price explained. “Hopefully he misses the target or misses the move.”

Seems simple enough, right?

You’d think so, but Price possesses such a nonchalant goaltending style [also known as the butterfly] you often have to rewind the game -- providing you can do so -- to double check the save he just made.

His extremely fast reflexes allow him to knock away quick shots, while positioning himself properly in the event that a rebound becomes available.

Simply put, this kid is a keeper. Obviously, Gainey and Co. knew this when they drafted him in 2005.

Price, who rooms with 21-year-old center Kyle Chipchura, doesn’t even have any pre-game rituals or mandatory meals. He just goes with the flow.

“I’m a pretty normal goalie,” he said. “I pretty much do whatever the guys are doing. If they go play soccer [before practice], I’ll probably do that too.”

Time after time, Price has proven he’s got what it takes to lead a team in the right direction, and he’s not even old enough to buy his buddies a round of beer when he visits the U.S. Just imagine what he’ll be able to do with a few seasons and a lot more NHL experience to add to his resume.

Yes, Canadiens’ fans. The wait may finally be over. Price is here to stay, and you can’t help but feel giddy about it.

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