Samuel Montembeault in front of the net on Wednesday

This morning (or noon, for those reading in Quebec), the Canadiens trained in California. What’s next? Off to Ohio for Wednesday’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It was the first training session since Thursday. And why? Because the CH played early on Friday and Saturday… not to mention the fact that the club had yesterday off. #SaturdayEveningRecruitsDinner

What should we remember about this practice?

First, it was the first time Joel Armia skated with his teammates since his recall. He was recalled on Friday and, as I just said, the CH hasn’t practiced since then. Nor has he played since his recall.

Arber Xhekaj, unsurprisingly, wasn’t there. Even though the defenseman should be back in action on Wednesday in Ohio, the CH wasn’t going to bring him from Montreal to California for a simple training session.

But otherwise, all 23 active players were present. We’re talking about 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goalies. Theoretically, then, there were no surprises at training.

But after practice, Martin St-Louis revealed his goaltender for two days from now. It’s rare to find out so quickly, but hey: we’ll take it, right?

So, anyway. Quebecer Samuel Montembeault will be the first choice.

The last time he was on the ice was Wednesday against the Ducks. In fact, that was the only time (so far) we’ve seen him in action on the trip, which began ten days ago in Boston.

Obviously, that will change on Wednesday.

Next up, the Habs play Wednesday on the road before hosting the Panthers (Thursday), Red Wings (Saturday), Kraken (Monday) and Kings (Thursday) at the Bell Centre.

We imagine that Montembeault won’t play on Thursday, the day after a trip and a game, but we still wonder how the games will be divided between Jake Allen, Cayden Primeau and him.

Roundup

– The three stars of the week.

The NHL’s 3 stars of the past week:

Connor McDavid
Nikita Kucherov
Juuse Saros

– David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) November 27, 2023

– Still.

And in his spare time, Gabriel helps Jacob Fowler learn French! https://t.co/7FleqwazOp

– Marc Antoine Godin (@MAGodin) November 27, 2023

– Ah oui?

Devante Smith-Pelly back in Washington…on the radio https://t.co/e9bndgX3wQ

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) November 27, 2023

– Good for him.

Théo Rochette extends with Lausanne https://t.co/yJocgbxrb4 pic.twitter.com/2W0uFAiNkb

– SwissHabs (@SwissHabs) November 27, 2023

– Martin St-Louis on his team:

#Habs Martin St-Louis on his team at the quarter-mark of the season: “I feel like we’re staying the course; it’s funny – you get better at some things & then you slip somewhere else. It’s constantly trying to improve.”

– Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) November 27, 2023