Photo credit: Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens have arrived in Florida, and it feels like a quick decision is coming for head coach Martin St-Louis.
This Saturday, the holiday break is over and the Montreal Canadiens will practice in Tampa Bay. It’s a rare Saturday without a game, but not a quiet one.
Martin St-Louis already has to provide clear direction ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Lightning. Once again, everything revolves around the crease.
Martin St-Louis and his first decision of the weekend
The first signal will likely come at practice.
Martin St-Louis has decided to call a mandatory practice today in Tampa Bay, which is fairly unusual the day before a game, and especially on a travel day.
“Habs holiday break has ended; the team will practice in Tampa Bay this afternoon as it is a rare Saturday without a game for the Canadiens.”
– Priyanta Emrith
The goalie who gets the bulk of the work, or who is placed in the starter’s net, often provides a clue about the next day.
Within the organization, everything currently points to Jakub Dobes possibly getting the start against the Lightning, even though Montembeault is back in the picture.
And that’s where it becomes a real headache to manage.
Montembeault is 29 years old, has played 15 games this season, with a 3.65 goals-against average and a .857 save percentage. He is also carrying a $3.15M-per-year contract through 2026-27.
Dobes, meanwhile, is still on a low-cost deal at $965,000 per season, which provides flexibility.
Jacob Fowler, 21, has added to the noise in five NHL games, posting a 3-1-1 record with a shutout, a 2.40 goals-against average, and a .918 save percentage.
If the Canadiens keep three goaltenders for a few days, it protects the team on the road, but it complicates the rhythm.
Someone always ends up sitting around in a practice jersey.
On Sunday, the main thing to watch will be whether St-Louis makes a decision right away, or stretches out the suspense a little longer.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics