Habs are determined to show they can win without Carey Price

Being on a roster with one of the best netminders in the world arguably gives a team a sense of confidence and invincibility.

But the Montreal Canadiens (11-2-0) are insistent that they are a team made up of more than just fancy goaltending.

The Habs will be without juggernaut Carey Price for at least a week after the starter sustained a lower body injury against the Edmonton Oilers last week. Montreal went on to beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-1 with backup Mike Condon between the pipes, and according to Arpon Basu of NHL.com and LNH.com, are determined to show that they can string wins together in Price’s absence.

“Everyone has their kingpin,” center David Desharnais said via Basu’s article.“So there's no doubt he helps us, but we're able to play without him. He's an important element of the team, but he's a part of the team.”

“You know what? I'm kind of sick of hearing that we're a team that's just about Carey," center Tomas Plekanec reportedly said. "Obviously, he's the best goaltender in the world, we all know that. But should we feel sorry for ourselves that we play in front of him?... He's a great goalie, but I think we're a better team than that.”

Questioning the Habs’ ability to win games without league-leading goaltending isn’t unwarranted. They were ranked 20th in the league in goals last season, and were the lowest-ranked offensive team to reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Granted, things are a bit different so far this campaign. Montreal is now leading the league with 50 goals, with seven players scoring at least four goals a piece so far this season. Such dominant offense helps take some pressure off Condon, especially with a homestand coming up that includes competitive matchups with the Senators, Islanders and Bruins.

“It's up to us to prove it, and I think we've done that since the start of the season,” Desharnais reportedly continued.”We're scoring more goals than ever, so I think we could get a little more credit." He did reportedly add though: "But that shouldn't take anything away from Price; he's our best player and we need him."