Samuel Montembeault to face Rangers tomorrow

The Montreal Canadiens will be looking to redeem themselves tomorrow night after being rinsed 6-1 by the Sabres at home yesterday.

And as the club announced in the final minutes, it’s Samuel Montembeault who will defend the Tricolore cage against the Blue Shirts .

Let’s remember that it was Jake Allen who was in front of the Flanelle net against the Buffalo outfit last night… And while he’s not the only one to blame for the loss, let’s just say he didn’t have his biggest career outing .

But back to Monty.

This will be his eighth start since signing his new contract (December 1). The Habs will be playing their 16th game since that date… And if you do a quick, unscientific calculation, you’ll realize that Montembeault will have played 50% of the team’s last 16 games.

We knew his usage would increase because he’s seen as the goalie of the future. And also because he deserves to play, given that the organization has given him a vote of confidence by granting him a contract extension.

This is good news.

We read in the article published by the Habs that Rafaël Harvey-Pinard and Tanner Pearson, both injured, skated this morning with Adam Nicholas. The guys completed a few drills and it’s a good sign to see them on the ice.

There was an optional practice this morning, and all these players decided to jump on the ice: Cole Caufield, Jake Evans, Michael Pezzetta, Mitchell Stephens, Jayden Struble, Johnathan Kovacevic, Jordan Harris, Gustav Lindström, Justin Barron and the three goalies (Cayden Primeau, Jake Allen and Montembeault).

A few players chose to take the day off.

Extension

Samuel Montembeault was brilliant earlier this week against the Stars, keeping his team in the game and stopping 30 of 33 shots.

He’ll have another big test tomorrow… Because the New York Rangers’ attack is quite powerful, thank you.

I can’t wait to see how he responds in the face of adversity.