Montreal Canadiens News

Montembeault has not played in a week but will dress on Tuesday, returning from an illness to serve as Jakub Dobes' backup. The 29-year-old Montembeault's next chance to return to the crease will be on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dobes has been wildly inconsistent this season, following up a remarkable 1.96 GAA and .930 SV% in six October games (6-0-0) with an unsightly 4.42 GAA and .849 SV% in seven November games (2-3-2). The 24-year-old Czech goalie seemed to be trending back in the right direction, starting December off with a terrific 1.50 GAA and .945 SV% in his first two games (2-0-0) before allowing four goals on 18 shots (.778 SV%) in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues. It's unclear which version of Dobes will show up on Tuesday, as the Canadiens enter the action as -112 home favorites against a Tampa Bay Lightning team that has not scored a goal in two straight games (0-2-0).

Dobes was excellent in Montreal's 3-2 shootout win over the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday, saving 30 of 32 shots (.938 SV%), and will be rewarded with another start on Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Czech goalie has a dazzling 1.97 GAA and .930 SV% in six October games (6-0-0), but followed that up with an ugly 4.42 GAA and .849 SV% in seven November outings (2-3-2).

The Canadiens have lost seven of their last 10 (3-6-1) and will turn to Dobes on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets. After a sensational first month of the season, posting a stellar 1.97 GAA and .930 SV% in six games (6-0-0), Dobes has fallen off significantly, ending November with an ugly 4.42 GAA and .849 SV% in seven games (2-3-2). The Canadiens hope to change their fortunes on Wednesday, entering the action as +105 home underdogs against a struggling Jets team that has lost five of its last six (1-5-0).

Jared Davidson will return to the Canadiens' lineup on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets, sending Xhekaj to the sidelines as a healthy scratch. The 21-year-old Xhekaj made his NHL debut last month, scoring one assist in five games.

Florian Xhekaj is expected to be a healthy scratch on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets, allowing Davidson to re-enter the lineup. The 23-year-old Davidson is averaging 8:17 time-on-ice with zero points through five games in his first NHL season.

The Canadiens have lost seven of their last 10 (3-6-1) and will turn to Dobes on Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets. After a sensational first month of the season, posting a stellar 1.97 GAA and .930 SV% in six games (6-0-0), Dobes has fallen off significantly, ending November with an ugly 4.42 GAA and .849 SV% in seven games (2-3-2). The Canadiens hope to change their fortunes on Wednesday, entering the action as +105 home underdogs against a struggling Jets team that has lost five of its last six (1-5-0).

Engstrom will take a seat on Tuesday to make way for the return of Jayden Struble (upper-body). Engstrom has appeared in two games since making his NHL debut last week, registering two blocked shots, two shots on goal, and one hit.

Struble did not play on Saturday due to an upper-body injury, but returned to practice on Monday. The 24-year-old defenseman is averaging 15:12 time-on-ice and has four assists in 19 games this season. Montreal returns to action on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators.

Montembeault had lost four straight decisions (0-4-0), posting an ugly 3.00 GAA and .813 SV, but showed promise in his most recent outing, snapping the losing skid with his best performance of the season, saving 30 of 31 shots (.968 SV%) in a 4-1 win over the Vegas Golden Knights. The 29-year-old Montembeault hopes to build some momentum and improve his concerning 3.49 GAA and .864 SV% through 13 appearances (5-5-1) when he returns to the crease on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators.

Struble did not play on Saturday due to an upper-body injury, but returned to practice on Monday. The 24-year-old defenseman is averaging 15:12 time-on-ice and has four assists in 19 games this season. Montreal returns to action on Tuesday against the Ottawa Senators.

Arber Xhekaj will return to Montreal's lineup on Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights, sending Engstrom to the press box as a healthy scratch. The 22-year-old Engstrom made his NHL debut on Wednesday, playing 10:42 time-on-ice.

Alexandre Texier will make his Canadiens' debut on Friday against the Vegas Golden Knights, resulting in Davidson being a healthy scratch. The 23-year-old Davidson is averaging 8:17 time-on-ice and has zero points through five games this season.