Montreal Canadiens Starting Al Montoya in Goal vs Islanders
Montreal Canadiens will start Al Montoya against the New York Islanders
The Montreal Canadiens announced today that Al Montoya will start against the Islanders. The Canadiens will play back to games Wednesday and Thursday against the Islanders and Lightning. The Canadiens are clearly going to monitor how much Price plays this season and resting him in back to back situations will be a must.
Al Montoya sera devant le filet demain / Al Montoya will start tomorrow #GoHabsGo
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) October 25, 2016
Montoya’s strong play is filling a glaring need. The Habs need Carey Price to rest. In past seasons Carey Price has been the workhorse in the Habs crease.
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From 2010-11 to 2014-15 Price played in 301 games out of a possible 376 games that the Canadiens played. This means that Price played 80 percent of the Canadiens games over that span. Last season wasn’t included because of the knee injury that cost Price last season.
The Canadiens signed Al Montoya to be an upgrade over Mike Condon for the backup goalie position. Also Montoya beat Mike Condon in training camp and has proved himself capable in three starts this season.
Montoya’s Fantastic Start
Montoya has been incredible for the Habs posting a .962 save percentage and a 1.30 goals against average. Montoya’s play has been a key reason why the Canadiens top the NHL standings and has the Habs second best in goals against.
As a result of Montoya playing so well the Canadiens should try and take advantage of the situation. Montoya could be played about 20 to 25 games this season and doing so will have Price play around 60 games.
This gives the Canadiens a healthy and rested Carey Price heading into the playoffs which will clearly be an asset to the Canadiens.
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