After Sunday night’s defeat against Pittsburgh Penguins, Montreal Canadiens Coach Martin St-Louis was asked why there was a change of plan with goalie Samuel Montembeault.
The goaltender was initially expected to be recalled from the Laval Rocket and join the team in Pittsburgh on Sunday, but that did not happen. According to the coach, the change of plan had nothing to do with Montembeault’s performance during his two games with the Rocket, but everything to do with what was best for the athlete.
Advertisement
Canadians: Children’s line is a big victory
Canadians: Kent Hughes banks on the French factor
Canadiens: Crosby makes history and the Penguins finally win one
The Canadiens didn’t practice in Pittsburgh on Sunday, and they weren’t going to practice in Boston on Monday, since they had just played back-to-back games, meaning the goaltender wouldn’t have had the opportunity to work on his game. That said, the BĂ©cancour native still hasn’t been officially recalled, according to the AHL transactions site.
He was nevertheless at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard on Monday morning to work with Rocket goalie coach Mario Marciano. There’s no denying that this course of action allows the player to spend a lot more time on the ice and work on his game, which is more likely to be helpful than a day off in Boston.
St-Louis has already confirmed that Jacob Folwer will lead the net Tuesday night against the Boston Bruinswhich will undoubtedly be a big moment for the young goaltender who played his hockey in the NCAA with Boston College. Will this be his last game with the Habs this season? Will he be sent back to the Rocket before the Canadiens continue their road trip on Saturday, December 28 against the Tampa Bay Lightning?
Advertisement
It remains to be seen. Some argue that the Canadiens can’t have three goalies, especially if they have two rookies, and that makes sense. Fowler could still benefit from some development time in Laval, but if he gets sent down and Montembeault hasn’t found his game yet, it wouldn’t be a good outcome. Personally, I will stick with the three goalies in the lineup, at least until the Quebecer proves again that he can perform well in the NHL.
Follow Karine on @KarineHains Blue sky @karinehains.bsky.social and son @karinehains.
Bookmark The Canadiens Hockey News page for all the news and events around the Canadian.
Join the discussion by register for the Canadiens roundtable on Hockey news.
Picture
Subscribe to The Hockey News on THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trends by subscribing to our newsletter here.
