Don't follow Pete on Twitter? Well click HERE and fix that problem.
The first test for Al Montoya should come today as the Winnipeg Jets host the NY Islanders. It’s no slight for Onderj Pavelec as he has been rock solid since the home and season opener against Ottawa. Last game Pavelec posted a .942 save perecentage as he took salvo after salvo from the Pittsburgh forwards, often having to stand tall against the trailing Penguin shooter. It might be time to give him a break, just for the sake of having a break.
As it turns out Montoya has been named starter
The Islanders are not easy competition either as they took 2 wins from the Jets in the MTS Centre last season. Looked at more critically, they should be treated with respect due to the talent they ice each night. As it stands they are in tenth place in the east tonight but are only one point behind the Jets and have the same amount of wins.
Tavares, Bailey, and Moulson are a formidable trio of talent who can test the mettle of the best defenses. Add in former Canuck Michael Grabner, Hamonic, and others one can see the Islanders could be a model young franchise on the rise. Once again the Jets face a team with players who can skate and dazzle with skill, just like the Penguins.
With this game being Montoya’s first for Winnipeg the fans get a chance to gauge him away from the open practices and scrimmages. A reminder of the player and his history seems appropriate.
Montoya was drafted #6 overall in 2004 by the Rangers. He did not play an NHL game until the 2008-09 season where he suited up for the Phoenix Coyotes for 5 games posting a 2.08 GAA and .925 save percentage. Montoya played 52 games for the Islanders over the last two seasons with 21 and 31 appearances respectively.
2010-11 21GP 2.39 .921
2011-12 31GP 3.11 .893
One of those things is not like the other. As two seasons ago Montoya’s numbers were far more appealing than Pavelec’s even if the sample size was just 21 games.
The other side story to this game is Montoya facing his old team, the Islanders. Here is the ‘clean out day’ video featuring Montoya from the end of last season.
At least this time Montoya doesn’t have to worry about Evander Kane anymore.
Two points would go a long way for the fortunes of both teams as the dog fight of a shortened season becomes more intense. The Jets need to make the home ice a place for the visitors to fear once again and if Tuesday’s effort from the second period on can be repeated that’s just what the MTS Centre will be- hostile ground.
Winnipeg Jets Blogger •Winnipeg Jets Writer • 
Join the Discussion:
»