Montreal Canadiens will rest Carey Price

Seems like less means more for the Montreal Canadiens and its superstar goaltender Carey Price, as the team's goaltender coach Stephen Waite admits that the goaltender will be playing fewer games than he is used to next season.  

Price who recently signed an eight year, $84-million contract extension, played in 62 regular games last year. For Waite, that's simply too many games for Price to be at his best.

"I don't believe your starter can play 65 to 70 games a year anymore. It's too tough, physically and mentally, and that'll catch up with you in the spring, for sure," said Montreal's goaltending coach Stephane Waite in an interview with NHL.com. 

"That's why a good backup can start 20, 22… even 24 games a year, and give your No. 1 goalie a break while still helping you make the playoffs," continued coach Waite, a the two-time Stanley Cup champion.

To help Price get more rest, Habs will be counting on backup goaltender Al Montoya who played 18 games last season, picking up 8 wins. "We're not afraid to put Al in goal against any team in the league," said Waite when asked about his Cuban native netminder. 

"The backup job is one of the toughest jobs in the NHL, because you can go 20 days without playing, then have to start a must-win game," explained Waite. "It's a tough job, and I have a lot of respect for anyone who can pull it off."  

Last season, Montoya posted a 0.912 save percentage and a 2.67 GAA. A New York Rangers first round draft pick in 2004, Montoya has played a total of 155 NHL games.