Samuel Montembeault, the goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, has been assigned to the Laval Rocket for conditioning purposes. This move was announced on Tuesday.
Details of Montembeault’s Assignment
Montembeault agreed to this temporary demotion, according to TVA Sports expert Renaud Lavoie. He was not ready to participate in the evening’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
- Jacob Fowler will take the starting role in goal.
- Jakub Dobes will serve as the backup.
Upcoming Matches
The Laval Rocket is set to play two games against the Cleveland Monsters on Thursday and Saturday. Following these games, Montembeault is expected to rejoin the Canadiens in Pittsburgh.
Recent Performance
Montembeault’s last game took place on December 9, where he replaced Dobes against the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that game, he allowed three goals on 13 shots, contributing to a 6-1 loss.
This season has proven challenging for Montembeault, as he currently holds an .857 save percentage and a 3.65 goals-against average. His performance has been hindered by a recent illness he contracted during the weekend of December 7.
Why Conditioning is Necessary
Montembeault has not started a game since December 2, making this conditioning stint with the Laval Rocket essential for his return to form. Playing in the American Hockey League (AHL) will provide him with the necessary game time to regain his sharpness.
