EDMONTON, AB -With Cam Talbot likely sidelined Thursday against the Colorado Avalanche due to an illness, it's possible backup netminder Al Montoya could make his first start for the Oilers.
"He's been a good fit for our team," said Oilers Head Coach Todd McLellan. "In a backup role, he's been tremendous because he fits the team's personality. He's a lively guy on the bench and he practices hard. There's a lot of things that he does and he has that experience as a backup to endear himself to his teammates."
Montoya has come into relief for Talbot three times since being acquired on Jan. 4, registering a win against the Arizona Coyotes on Jan. 12. In his three appearances with the Oilers, Montoya owns a 1.00 goals-against average and .956 save percentage, stopping 43 of the 45 shots he's faced.
"When he's gone in, and it hasn't always been in comfortable circumstances, he's played well," said McLellan. "Therefore, his teammates have confidence in him. If we circle his number tomorrow against Colorado, everybody would be fine with that and believe he can give us a good game."
Montoya's last start was on Nov. 4 when he was a member of the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-4 in overtime
BLOG: Montoya likely to make first start with Oilers on Thursday
Backup netminder could man the twine against Colorado due to Talbot's illness
