“We have made great progress this season. On the individual side, the development we’ve been able to make on certain players allows us to have more information for next year. It’s encouraging. »
• Also read: The Canadian agrees with goalkeeper Jakub Dobes
• Also read: Rafaël Harvey-Pinard has been unparalleled in the NHL since his recall
When we listen to Martin St-Louis project his team into the future, we naturally think of Cole Caufield, the team’s next superstar. Or Kaiden Guhle, Jordan Harris and Arber Xhekaj, who are expected to form a strong core of the team’s defence. The name of Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, author of 14 goals in just 32 games, also springs to mind.
Perhaps because he’s been around a bit longer, or because he’s not a design product of the organization, we tend to forget Samuel Montembeault.
However, if there’s anyone who has made great strides this season, it’s him.
With six games remaining on the schedule, the 26-year-old goalkeeper is likely to play the same number of games as last season (38). However, statistically it is day and night.
He already has 15 wins under his belt, which is almost double his best harvest (8). Also, he could end the season with a savings rate above .900 for the first time in his career.
We can practically speak of a breeding year.
“I’m happy with my progress,” he said at the end of the Canadian’s training session. At the beginning of the season I expressed the wish to show more consistency. I think it was much better. »
Now number one?
At certain times during the winter, the Canadians’ head coach insisted on calling Jake Allen his number one goalkeeper. A title that has not yet been officially revoked.
However, the Quebecer is seeing action like never before. He’s been challenged in six of the last 10 games and even got five starts in a row. Unheard of for him with all in good health.
” I’m very happy. Especially since there was consistency at the beginning of the year: two games for him, one game for me, he recalled. I’ve been playing more since his injury. It helped my progress. »
We also feel safer from his net. The enthusiasm with which he works when he walks the rink with Éric Raymond, the goalkeeper coach, certainly has something to do with it.
That said, one can also wonder if having a two-season contract in the bag to stop pucks with less strain on his shoulders for the first time in his career hasn’t allowed him to do so.
“We’re getting closer to the end of the year and I’m just starting to think about it. On the other hand, I know that this summer I just have to focus on my preparation. It’s nice to have support for two seasons. »
A mutual pleasure on the part of Kent Hughes. Because this hatching could enable him to go certain ways. Like the possibility, if the moment suits him one day, to compromise the services of Allen, whose salary footprint is set to grow from $2.875 million to $3.85 million next season.