Montembeault stopped 43 of 45 shots (.956 SV%) in a win over Buffalo his last time between the crease on October 27th. Montembeault has been incredible as Montreal's backup this season, posting a 2-1-0 record along with a 2.32 GAA and .931 SV%. He will face Winnipeg who has struggled to score this season, ranking 23rd in the NHL in both goals (2.89) and shots (29.7) per game.
Montembeault stopped 26 of 28 shots (.929 SV%) for his first victory of the season his last time out vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins 10 days ago. His two starts have gone up and down as he is 1-1-0 with a 2.48 GAA and a .912 SV%. His Canadiens take on a much improved Sabres team that had won three straight prior to their previous 5-1 loss to Seattle Tuesday.
Montembeault will get his second start in as many games after Montreal announced Jake Allen would not be available for Monday's game due to parental leave. The 25-year-old netminder struggled in his only start of the season, losing 3-1 to Washington while stopping 26 of 29 shots with little offensive help. He will look to get his first win of the season Monday against Pittsburgh.
