Pacioretty: It's nice to see Price stand up for himself

Max Pacioretty has no problem with Carey Price's right hook.

The Montreal Canadiens netminder made headlines Thursday after throwing punches into New Jersey Devils forward Kyle Palmieri, who had bumped into Price beforehand.

It was one too many for the franchise goaltender.

"It seems to be the nature of the league; go to the net, run the goalie over, and score a goal. You just gotta stick up for yourself every once in a while," Price said after the game.

Related: Should Price have been ejected for unleashing his blocker on Palmieri?

The Canadiens captain didn't disagree with his goaltender's stance.

"You like to see guys stay away from him," Pacioretty told reporters. "You want to protect the best player in the league and it's nice to see him stand up for himself."