Dog that goes hunting loses its place. The returning dog takes back its property. With Jake Allen’s impending return, it will be interesting to see whether Martin St-Louis will adopt the phrase in whole or in part.
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Allen has missed the team’s last eight games with an upper-body injury. Eight meetings where Samuel Montembeault took the opportunity to hatch. Of these eight starts, seven were of great quality.
Martin Chevalier / JdeM
Samuel Montembault
His .930 save percentage at that stretch was one of the reasons he had four wins and why the Habs held off the Bruins late into Tuesday night’s game.
“I’m happy for Sam, he’s a good goalkeeper. I noticed it when it arrived last year. I’m glad he got the chance to open people’s eyes,” Allen said after optional practice on Wednesday.
“Plus, he’s a Quebecer in Montreal. So it’s even bigger, he added. Its potential is enormous. I hope he finishes the season strong and keeps improving. »
Montembault, the future
It’s all well and good, but such an outfit didn’t fail to bring the famous question of the identity of the number one goalkeeper back onto the carpet.
“No way to use a label,” Allen insisted. Besides, there is no competition between us. What counts is the well-being of the team. Sam has been stoned in the last few games. With all the injuries in the squad, it wasn’t easy. That gave the group confidence. »
However, Allen admits that at another point in his career he might have spoken differently. But at 32, with a Stanley Cup ring in his pocket and a contract extension that will net him $3.85 million each over the next two seasons, the New Brunswicker isn’t in the same shape.
In fact, he did a wonderful job of embracing that old principle the Canadiens head coach mentioned earlier this season: helping to establish a culture and knowing we won’t be there to reap the rewards.
“Sam is part of the group that wants to take this team to the next level,” Allen said. i am realistic I know I won’t be here in a few years, but I want this team with Sam, Cole (Caufield) and Suzy (Nick Suzuki) to be successful. That’s why I love watching Sam play like this. »
Encouragement for Primeau
To make room for Allen in the lineup, the Canadiens sold Cayden Primeau to Laval Rocket. The American, who was returning from injury at the time of his return, only played 20 minutes in that brief stint at the big club.
Nothing to really measure his progress during what has been quite a difficult season for him at Laval.
“It is still in full development. I think he has a bright future, Allen said. Technically and physically he is ahead of me at the same age. »
And like a true big brother, he ensured Primeau’s return to the American League with peace of mind.
“I told him just because Sam has been fine lately doesn’t mean he has no future here. In a few years, the two could well form the goalkeeper duo of this team. »
But again, one might wonder who will be number one.