Photo credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens play their final home regular-season game tonight at the Bell Centre vs. Columbus, with major Atlantic Division implications.
For the occasion, they will host the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The stakes are high: the Canadiens are in a tight race to finish atop the Atlantic Division, or at least secure second place to gain home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Considering the importance of tonight’s matchup, Martin St-Louis will, without much surprise, rely on his number one goaltender.
According to information reported by journalist Renaud Lavoie, it is indeed the outstanding Jakub Dobes who is expected to get the start.
This decision is entirely logical.
Dobes, who could also collect his 30th win of the season tonight, is on a phenomenal run and has not suffered a loss in nearly a month (dating back to March 20).
However, it is the identity of the man who will wear the backup cap on the bench alongside him that is raising questions today.
Samuel Montembeault could replace Jacob Fowler as backup amid Canadiens’ back-to-back schedule
Normally, young Jacob Fowler is expected to serve as the backup goaltender.
However, the schedule complicates matters: the Canadiens must play a second game within 24 hours tomorrow evening at 6 p.m. in New York against the Islanders.
This is where the name Samuel Montembeault seriously comes into play.
Last week, in a similar back-to-back scenario, the organization decided to send Fowler ahead to Montreal in order to allow him to better prepare and rest.
To compensate for his absence on the bench during the first game (last Saturday), veteran Samuel Montembeault was dressed as the backup.
Although the NHL recently reprimanded the Canadiens’ management for this practice, it is very possible that the team decides to repeat the move tonight.
Dressing Montembeault would ensure optimal preparation for Fowler ahead of his very likely start tomorrow against the Islanders.
This is a situation worth monitoring.
The Montreal Canadiens will close out their regular season with two road games (Sunday against the Islanders and Tuesday against the Flyers).
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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Canadiens make major goalie call before final home game of season vs. Blue Jackets
Do you think the Canadiens will dress Samuel Montembeault tonight as backup?