Before landing in Montreal, Montoya spent the last two seasons in South Florida playing behind another All-World netminder in Roberto Luongo. Last year, he registered the second-highest single season win total of his career, posting a 12-7-3 record, 2.18 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in 25 appearances between the pipes, including 22 starts. That helped the Panthers claim their second-ever division title and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2011-12.
Having never tasted postseason play before at the NHL level until last April, it's safe to say it only added to Montoya's motivation to be both physically and mentally prepared to shine during his audition with the Canadiens over the last several weeks.
"It comes down to what I've been doing. It comes down to how I've been preparing, which all goes back to my practices," explained Montoya, who spent his offseason training in his hometown of Chicago with the likes of NHLers Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Chris Kunitz and Brian Campbell, among others. "The stuff that I do off the ice prepares me to be ready, along with the video that I do and the workouts that I do with [goaltending coach] Stephane [Waite]."
Not only does captain Max Pacioretty firmly believe that his brand new teammate can deliver the goods when called upon by head coach Michel Therrien, but also that Montoya is a strong addition to a locker room that experienced several big changes over the summer.
"He's a very good goaltender. I think he plays in a way similar to Pricer in terms of style, and I think sometimes that's helpful, especially with the goalie coach coming in. You can work on the same things," shared Pacioretty, before detailing his impressions of Montoya off the ice as well. "I really like Monty. We went to the same college, so instantly we hit it off, always talking about the University of Michigan. He's a guy that it would be impossible not to like. He has a great energy and such a great personality."
