No morning skate for the Canadiens as key lineup decisions loom vs. Oilers
Photo credit: Habsfanatics/NHL
Several questions remain regarding the Montreal Canadiens' lineup for tonight's game against the Edmonton Oilers.
That uncertainty stems from Martin St-Louis' decision not to hold a morning skate today.
"The Canadiens will not hold a morning skate on Sunday, as it is the second game of a back-to-back set."
- Montreal Canadiens
- Montreal Canadiens
Martin St-Louis' decision: no morning skate before Oilers game
We will therefore have to wait for today's press conference closer to the game or right before puck drop.
Among the key situations to monitor is the identity of the goaltender who will start the game, along with several lineup decisions.
Will it be Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, or Adam Engström who is left out?
Will Joe Veleno once again be among the players most heavily used by Martin St-Louis as was the case last night against the Rangers?
However, all signs point that Samuel Montembeault will be in goal for his team against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers, considering that Jacob Fowler got the start last night in New York.
Both teams will be playing their second game in as many nights. The Canadiens lost in overtime to the Rangers, live from New York.
The Oilers won in regulation against the Maple Leafs, live from Toronto.
Montembeault, 29 years old, has a record of 5-6-1 this season, with a goals-against average of 3.65 and a save percentage of 0.857.
Fowler, 21 years old, has a record of 1-0-1 this season, with a goals-against average of 3.42 and a save percentage of 0.894.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 14|1012 ANSWERS No morning skate for the Canadiens as key lineup decisions loom vs. Oilers What is your prediction for tonight's game if Montembeault is in goal? | ||
| An easy win for the Canadiens | 67 | 6.6 % |
| A close win for the Canadiens | 303 | 29.9 % |
| An easy win for the Oilers | 474 | 46.8 % |
| A close win for the Oilers | 168 | 16.6 % |
| List of polls | ||