Between the smiles, the energy and overall atmosphere, the Montreal Canadiens practiced like a first place team this morning. Why? Probably because they're a first place team.

The Habs are 17-5-4 after 26 games and goaltender Carey Price explained the joyful atmosphere like this.

“Winning solves everything. It makes coming to the rink a whole lot more fun. You can probably see it during practice we’re having fun coming to the rink and working hard. It’s tough to get motivated when you’re losing but when you’re winning it makes it easy to come to work and work hard.”

The team wrapped up a five game road trip Sunday against the Panthers in Florida with a 5-2 win which was followed by a rookie dinner paid for by Alex Galchenyuk and Brendan Gallagher. Gallagher wouldn't reveal what damage was done to his credit card, but that a good time was had by all.

“Ya it was good. It  We had a fun time. Me and Chucky (Galchenyuk) picked up the tab so that was fun to be a part of.”

Gallagher's name is being thrown around as a contender for "Rookie of the Year", but the 20-year-old said he's got other things to worry about.

“Honestly I don’t worry about that stuff too much. It’s a thrill for me to be in the national hockey league and a thrill to play for the Montreal Canadiens and that’s really all I care about right now. It’s fun for me to come to the rink every day so I don’t focus on that too much.”

The  Ottawa Senators will visit the Bell Centre tomorrow night.  

Other practice notes... Rene Bourque, who’s been out with a concussion, skated by himself before practice.

Petteri Nokelainen, who's been out all year with a back injury, took part in practice and did all the drills.

Brandon Prust, Yannick Webber and Raphael Diaz were all out with injuries.