Montembeault allowed three goals on 33 shots (.909 SV%) for his second-straight loss as Anaheim defeated him in his previous start. The 26-year-old Canadiens' backup has been their better of the two goalies, even though he has a 12-13-2 record and 3.30 GAA and .905 SV% stat line. He takes on the struggling New York Rangers, who have lost six of their last eight games after a 4-2 loss to Boston last game.
Kahkonen allowed eight goals on 30 shots (.733 SV%) in his worst start of the season as he was rocked by Washington in his previous start for his fifth-straight loss. The 26-year-old Sharks' backup has struggled all season, as shown by his 8-14-5 record, 3.68 GAA and .882 SV%. He takes on the Colorado Avalanche, who have lost three straight after a 3-2 overtime loss to Seattle last game and are eight in the NHL in shots per game (33.1).
Sund currently plays for Rogle BK Angelholm in the SHL. The 27-year-old defenseman has one goal and eight assists in 40 games this season.
Allard has two goals, five assists, and 30 PIMs across 35 games played with the Ontario Reign (AHL) and has been traded Friday for Nate Schnarr. The 25-year-old defenseman has previously played in one NHL game in 2020-21 with Nashville, failing to pick up a point and being a -2 plus/minus.
Originally a third-round pick by the Coyotes in the 2017 draft, Schnarr has spent the last four seasons in the AHL, making stops in Tuscon, Binghamton, and Utica before joining the Canadiens organization prior to the 2021-22 season. He registered three goals and four assists in 27 games with Laval (AHL) this season.
Blais has two goals, an assist, and 15 SOG through nine games since being traded back to the St. Louis Blues and has not signed a one-year, $1.0 Million contract extension. The 26-year-old has two goals, and eight points across 49 games with both the Blues and Rangers.
Simoneau has five goals, 23 assists, 39 PIMs and a -6 plus/minus through 44 games with Laval (AHL) this season and has signed a two-year, entry-level contract Wednesday. The 21-year-old was drafted in the 6th round of the 2021 draft (191 overall).
Montembeault allowed six goals on 41 shots (.854 SV%) for his third loss in four games as he was crushed by Carolina in his previous start. The 26-year-old has been the better of the two Canadien goaltenders this year, with his 11-11-2 record, 3.29 GAA and .906 SV%. He takes on the New Jersey Devils, who have won two straight games and are fourth in the NHL in shots per game (34.2) and sixth in goals (3.46).
