Canadiens make a calculated move with Samuel Montembeault ahead of Capitals game
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
We have an interesting last-minute announcement involving the Montreal Canadiens' goaltender, Samuel Montembeault.
Samuel Montembeault did indeed take a flight to Washington ahead of everyone else. He left Montreal today, even though the Canadiens are playing tonight.
Samuel Montembeault leaves Montreal for Washington as Canadiens confirm him as starter vs. Capitals
According to what is circulating today, he is already on site in preparation for Tuesday's game against the Washington Capitals.
The idea is simple: avoid the late-night travel with the rest of the group. After tonight's game, the Canadiens will travel, and the hotel arrival would be around 3 a.m.
"Smart move. Patrick reports Montembeault is already in Washington.
The Canadiens are travelling post-game tonight and won't arrive at their hotel before roughly 3am."
- Eric Engels
The Canadiens are travelling post-game tonight and won't arrive at their hotel before roughly 3am."
- Eric Engels
In that context, sending your goaltender ahead of time is a logical move. That move also says something about schedule management. We're not talking about a day off, we're talking about a plan to be ready.
In Montreal, details matter-especially in goal. Montembeault has played 18 games this season, posting eight wins along with a 3.39 goals-against average and a .869 save percentage. Over his NHL career, he has appeared in 224 games, earning 88 wins with a 3.22 goals-against average and a .897 save percentage.
Meanwhile, Jakub Dobes is slated to start tonight at the Bell Centre. That suggests a clear rotation, at least for the moment.
Montembeault arrives already rested in Washington, while the team will finish its night in Montreal and while Jacob Fowler will back up Dobes tonight.
More details to follow.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 12|1106 ANSWERS Canadiens make a calculated move with Samuel Montembeault ahead of Capitals game Montembeault already in Washington: a smart move by the Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 1005 | 90.9 % |
| No | 101 | 9.1 % |
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