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At his press conference, Martin St-Louis confirmed his starting goaltender for the matchup in Edmonton.
Context matters as well, because the Canadiens are playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
In a market like Montreal, a game like this can quickly reshape the narrative-especially with the goaltending situation already under scrutiny. That scrutiny only intensifies with the remainder of the road trip looming after the loss in New York.
Martin St-Louis has repeated it: he does not want to put excessive pressure on Fowler’s shoulders. He is not presenting the young goaltender as a messiah, and the message is crystal clear.
But in the end, the numbers often have the final say!
The net will go to Jakub Dobes against the Edmonton Oilers
Here is Martin St-Louis’ decision ahead of tonight’s game against the Edmonton Oilers:
“Jakub Dobes starting in goal tonight for Habs” – Stu Cowan
“With Jakub Dobes in net tonight for the Habs vs the Oilers:
Sam Montembeault hasn’t started a game since Dec. 2″
– HabsOnReddit
It is a surprising decision for Samuel Montembeault. One can wonder whether his coach still has confidence in him.
The Quebec-born goaltender is 29 years old, and his current contract carries a $3.15M cap hit. He holds a 5-6-1 record this season, posting a 3.65 goals-against average and an .857 save percentage.
Jacob Fowler, 21, is 1-0-1 on the year with a 3.42 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage.
When St-Louis sends Dobes between the pipes against a team led by Connor McDavid, the message is clear: he is the one he trusts more.
Previously on All Montreal Hockey
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Martin St-Louis makes a surprise goalie call as Canadiens face McDavid and the Oilers
Is Jakub Dobes the right choice against the Edmonton Oilers?
