Canadiens: Montembeault Starts; Evans Returns Against Ottawa?
The Montreal Canadiens are set to face the Ottawa Senators on Saturday evening, a critical matchup as they strive to regain momentum in the NHL. Following this game, the Canadiens will return home to host the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday.
Montembeault Takes the Lead
Samuel Montembeault has earned the trust of head coach Martin St-Louis as he steps in as the starting goaltender for this important game. Montembeault’s impressive record stands at 3-0-1 since being recalled from the Laval Rocket. He also boasts a remarkable save percentage of 0.921, showcasing his readiness to defend the net.
Recent Game Performance
The Canadiens are looking to bounce back after suffering two consecutive losses. Their most recent defeat came against the Buffalo Sabres, where they fell 5-3. Tage Thompson made headlines during that match with a hat trick, contributing a total of five points.
Prior to that, Montreal lost to the Washington Capitals after squandering a two-goal lead, eventually succumbing in overtime. This record has created urgency for the Canadiens to secure a win against the Senators.
Upcoming Challenges
The Ottawa Senators present a formidable challenge; however, the Canadiens are boosted by their recent convincing victory against the New York Rangers, where they triumphed 8-4. In that game, Brady Tkachuk stood out with a goal and three assists, demonstrating the Senators’ offensive capabilities.
Player Updates
- Jake Evans is set to return to the lineup after training in a regular jersey alongside teammates Kirby Dach and Patrik Laine.
- Samuel Blais is anticipated to be scratched from the lineup during warm-ups, according to insider Patrick Friolet.
With the stakes high, the Canadiens aim to reclaim their winning form against the Senators, while also preparing for their upcoming clash with the Wild. Every game counts in the quest for playoff positioning as the season progresses.
