Montembeault will start for the second straight game and look to extend his win streak to three when he tends the twine Saturday afternoon against the Dallas Stars. Montembeault was terrific in his last outing, saving 37 of 39 shots (.949 SV%) in a 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals. The Canadiens defeated the Dallas Stars 4-3 last month when Montembeault saved 30 of 33 shots (.909 SV%).
Jordan Harris will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday, allowing Xhekaj to re-enter the lineup. Xhekaj was a healthy scratch in the Canadiens last game before the All-Star break but was in the lineup for two straight before then, recording six penalty minutes, two shots, and four hits.
Montemeault will be the starter for the Canadiens in their first game since the All-Star break. After an abysmal performance in which he allowed eight goals on 30 shots (.733 SV%) in a 9-4 loss to the Boston Bruins, Montembeault responded by saving 43 of 46 (.935 SV%) in his last outing, a 4-3 victory over the New York Islanders. Montembeault will look to build on his last performance on Tuesday in a matchup against the third-worst offensive team in the league, the Washington Capitals (2.38 GF / GP).
Newhook has been out of the lineup since November 30th with an ankle injury but is nearing a return to the Canadiens lineup. The 23-year-old Newhook was playing well before his injury, scoring 13 points (7G / 6A) in 23 games, and could be in for an increase in offensive deployment after the departure of Sean Monahan.
Carrier played only 8:01 time-on-ice before exiting Monday's game against the Ottawa Senators with an undisclosed injury. The 27-year-old defender has 44 hits and 92 blocks while averaging 18:09 time-on-ice through 46 games this season. Carrier's absence will make way for Tyson Barrie to return to the Predators' lineup.
On the back end of a back-to-back, the Sharks will turn to Kahkonen after Mackenzie Blackwood had a 32-save shutout in the Sharks' 2-0 win over the Seattle Kraken last night. Kahkonen last played on January 27th, allowing four goals on 35 shots (.886 SV%) in a 5-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The Sharks are +162 road underdogs against a rested Ducks team with points in three straight (2-0-1).
Carrier played only 8:01 time-on-ice before exiting Monday's game against the Ottawa Senators with an undisclosed injury. The 27-year-old defender has 44 hits and 92 blocks while averaging 18:09 time-on-ice through 46 games this season. Carrier will be a game-time decision on Wednesday, but don't be surprised if he can't play, as Tyson Barrie has already been confirmed to return to the Predators lineup.
Gallagher was handed a match penalty for an illegal check to the head of New York's Adama Pelech and was suspended for five games Friday after having an over the phone hearing. The 31-year-old's frustration boiled over as he is in the midst of another disappointing season with only eight goals, eight assists 103 SOG, 47 PIMs and a -21 plus/minus in 48 games played this season.
The Sharks' goaltending revolving door will continue Saturday as Kaapo Kahkonen will get the start vs. Buffalo after backing up in San Jose's previous game. The 27-year-old has played very well despite the roster in front of him, which has led to an unfortunate 6-13-1 record, 3.56 GAA and .902 SV%. He'll take on the Sabres at home Saturday, who just snapped a two-game losing streak with a victory over Los Angeles last game and are 23rd in the NHL in goals per game (2.94).
Condotta will enter the lineup in place of the scratched Jesse Ylonen, and will centre the fourth line. Condotta scored one goal in his only NHL game to date.
Montembault had the night off in the Canadiens' previous contest, getting a chance to regroup after a forgettable performance in his last outing. Montembault allowed eight goals on 30 shots (.733 SV%) in a 9-4 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday, far and away his worst performance in an otherwise serviceable 2023-24 campaign. The Canadiens have dropped three straight (0-3-0), being outscored 19-7, and are +132 home underdogs against the New York Islanders, who are 3-6-1 in their last 10.
Montembault had the night off in the Canadiens' previous contest, getting a chance to regroup after a forgettable performance in his last outing. Montembault allowed eight goals on 30 shots (.733 SV%) in a 9-4 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday, far and away his worst performance in an otherwise serviceable 2023-24 campaign. The Canadiens have dropped three straight (0-3-0), being outscored 19-7, and are +132 home underdogs against the New York Islanders, who are 3-6-1 in their last 10.
Roy made his NHL debut earlier this month and played six straight games, recording two points (1G / 1A). The 20-year-old was selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NHL draft and has excelled in his first year as a pro, picking up 30 points (12G / 18A) in his first 34 AHL games, good for second on the team.
Adam Gaudette will be a healthy scratch on Tuesday, allowing Blais to return to the Blues' lineup after a two-game absence. Blais has been held off the scoresheet in seven straight but has registered 16 hits in that stretch.
Xhekaj played 17 games with the Canadiens earlier this season but has been with the Laval Rocket (AHL) since November. Xhekaj has three points (1G / 2A) and should continue to build on the 2.41 hits per game he is averaging thus far.
The Sharks will turn to back to Kahkonen on Monday after Mackenzie Blackwood got the call in each of their previous two games. Kahkonen allowed just two goals on 34 shots his last time out but was still saddled with the loss as the Sharks were shutout by the Sabres. He has lost seven straight decisions in regulation, despite posting an admirable .908 SV% over that span. He'll have a hard time breaking that streak on Monday with the Sharks being +310 underdogs against the Kings.
