The Montreal Canadiens were on Hockey Night In Canada last night, and they were defeated by the Boston Bruins.
They quickly fell behind as they were completely outplayed in the first period, allowing two goals on 19 shots. By the end of the second period, it was 4-1, and with the Bruins carrying the play and getting the majority of the scoring chances, no one could blame you for changing the channel.
The Canadiens have been difficult to watch in recent games because their defensive structure appears to have crumbled and they are unable to match their opponent’s ability to create scoring chances.
Though they haven’t been the easiest team to watch recently, one western conference team appears to be keeping an eye on the Canadiens right now. The Edmonton Oilers, in particular, are looking for a goaltender and have been scouting the Canadiens.
This makes sense given that the Canadiens are one of the few teams in the league with three goalies at the moment. Cayden Primeau has made three starts, with Jake Allen and Sam Montembeault seeing the majority of the action in net.
Elliotte Friedman was on Sportsnet’s Hockey Night In Canada and said during the second intermission that the Oilers have been keeping an eye on all three Canadiens goalies recently.
He went on to say that he doesn’t believe anything is imminent, but that the Oilers are doing their homework and don’t want to make a hasty decision.
While it’s understandable that teams don’t want to make rash decisions, the Oilers must act. Stuart Skinner gave up five goals again yesterday, and Jack Campbell was demoted to the minors after a disastrous start. Because few teams are willing to move a goalie this early in the season, the Oilers and Canadiens make logical trading partners.
It will be fascinating to see which of the three goalies the Oilers pursue. Allen makes sense as a veteran who can help calm things down in a stressful situation. He is also by far the most expensive.
Montembeault makes sense for the Oilers as well, but rumors are circulating that the Canadiens are close to re-signing him. Primeau makes the least sense for Edmonton, which needs someone with a proven track record they can rely on.
If Allen is the Oilers’ top target, the Canadiens may have to give up some money in the form of Warren Foegele or Ryan McLeod. Their options are limited because both Campbell and Skinner have a season save percentage of.873, and the Oilers are built to win now.
Montembeault makes sense from a cap standpoint, and Allen makes sense as a steady veteran. We’ll have to wait and see what happens with the Oilers’ interest in Montreal goalies.
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