Martin St-Louis makes a questionable decision for the Jets game

On this rainy Monday morning, at least in my neck of the woods, the Montreal Canadiens find themselves in Winnipeg, where they’ll begin their holiday trip tonight against the mighty Jets.

From that point on, the question on everyone’s lips is: “Who will be the ex-officio goaltender to start this overseas trip?”

Since Samuel Montembeault has been the starting goaltender for the last two games, it was obvious that Martin St-Louis was going to pick one of his two teammates… and he settled on Jake Allen. This will be Allen’s first affront since December 10, when he lost to the Nashville Predators (2-1).

A decision that could easily be criticized by reminding St-Louis that Monty has four wins in his last six outings. Add to that the fact that number 35 allows about (on average) one less goal per game than his colleagues, and that he’s the only Habs goaltender with a record of over .500.

With the Glorieux so close to a playoff spot, shouldn’t St-Louis opt for the best candidate, especially as the Canadiens will enjoy a two-day break after tonight’s duel?

That said, the Tricolore’s morning training session resembled last Saturday’s 5-3 win over the New York Islanders.

Emil Heineman will once again have to watch a game from the stands, as he richly deserves a tryout. Martin St-Louis doesn’t seem eager to analyze Heineman’s strengths, with his lightning-fast shot and above-average hockey intelligence.

When’s the test, Martin?

Finally, defensively, the picture remains the same, but…

There’s a good chance that the blue-white-red brigade will start to shake things up, as Jordan Harris will be making the trip. MSL and his assistants will have to make a decision: who will be cut? Unless another defender joins Montreal’s overflowing infirmary?

Note that cutting Harris and sending him to Laval is not a logical solution, since he is eligible for waivers.

Remember that the puck will be dropped at 7:30 p.m. (tonight) live from the Canada Life Centre.

In a row

– To no one’s surprise, Connor Hellebuyck will face the Montreal Canadiens.

– A fight that changed everything for Josh Anderson.

– It’s even starting to get out the burnt…

– CF Montreal interviewed Columbus Crew 2 head coach Laurent Courtois.