Two Lineup Changes Officially Announced for the Game Against Tampa Bay: Jonathan Kovacevic and Samuel Montembault Will Return to the Lineup

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Elias Edmonson
December 31, 2023 (2:29 PM)

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We talked about it last night and Renaud Lavoie mentioned it, but it has just been officially confirmed.

Unsurprisingly, it's Samuel Montembeault who will be in goal for the Montreal Canadiens tonight against the Lightning in Tampa Bay. The game is at 7 p.m.

An early trip for Montembeault

Last night, during the broadcast of the CH game in Florida, Renaud Lavoie indeed mentioned that Montembeault left his teammates earlier than expected, in order to arrive early in Tampa Bay.

So he had more time to rest and prepare for today's game.

The famous three-goalie rotation allows this.

"Samuel Montembeault will face the Lightning on Sunday in Tampa Bay. To be ready for the big showdown awaiting him, on the eve of New Year's Day, Montembeault left his teammates for Tampa Bay on Saturday."

- Renaud Lavoie, TVA Sports »

This is a good thing because it will be a big challenge for the Quebec goaltender against the powerful Lightning.

Montembeault, 27, has an impressive record of 7-4-3 this season with the CH, an average of 2.86 and an efficiency rate of 0.907.

Montembeault replaces Jake Allen, Kovacevic replaces Dvorak

"Christian Dvorak is injured in the upper body and must undergo tests to determine the severity of his injury.

Johnathan Kovacevic inserted into the lineup tonight, against the Lightning. We will play with 11 forwards and 7 defenders.

Samuel Montembeault in goal. " - Via Patrick Friolet, RDS

Do you think the CH will win tonight, in Tampa Bay?