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Montoya to start against Isles

By: Ed Tait

Posted: 01/27/2013 11:28 AM | Comments: 0

Al Montoya will get the start in goal tonight against his former team, the New York Islanders. (KEN GIGLIOTTI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES) Photo Store

It looks like Al Montoya is being called in from the bullpen and will make his first start in goal tonight for the Winnipeg Jets.

The Jets face the New York Islanders – a club Montoya played for over the past two seasons after originally being drafted in the first round, sixth overall, of the 2004 NHL entry draft by the New York Rangers – at 7 p.m. (TSN Jets/TSN 1290).

"Any time you go up against your former team you’re motivated to maybe prove them wrong for letting you go," said Jets captain Andrew Ladd. "I know everyone in here will be playing hard for him and trying to get him the win."

Ondrej Pavelec has started the first four games for the Jets in 2013, going 2-1-1 with a 2.21 goals against average and .932 save percentage. Montoya was signed as a free agent last summer to back him up after the departure of Chris Mason to the Nashville Predators.

The Jets, after dropping their opener to Ottawa, will be seeking their third straight victory after knocking off Washington and Pittsburgh last week. They’ll also be working to continue building on the defensive foundation that has been so solid in the early season.

"Maybe in the first game we were taking more chances because everyone wants to get off to a good start," said Jets centre Bryan Little. "I think we found out pretty fast we can’t play like that. We’ve got to concentrate on defence and the offence will take care of itself.

"Ever since we started doing that it’s been working out pretty well."

The Islanders, 2-2 to start the season, are coming off a 4-2 loss in Boston on Friday night and will be playing the third of a five-game road trip. New York was 3-1 against the Jets last season, including posting two wins in Winnipeg.

Ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPEdTait

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