As per reports from the Winnipeg Sun’s Ken Wiebe, the Winnipeg Jets will turn to “The Big Cubano” Al Montoya to start against the New York Islanders later tonight:
Al Montoya leaves the ice first so it looks like he will indeed make his first start for #NHLJets
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebeSunSports) January 27, 2013
Noel on Montoya: “let’s get him going.”Wants to keep Pavelec fresh but Montoya is ready: “it’s time for him to play. It’s that simple.”
— Ken Wiebe (@WiebeSunSports) January 27, 2013
So with that, it will be a night of firsts for Montoya, who makes his season debut as a member of the Winnipeg Jets while facing off against his former employer, the New York Islanders, for the first time since joining the league in 2008-09 with the Phoenix Coyotes.
For the Islanders, it was Russian goaltender Evgeni Nabokov who was first off the ice, signifying he will get the nod for the Isles tonight.
Don’t expect any roster changes on Winnipeg’s side of things; Mark Scheifele, Anthony Peluso and Zach Redmond all participated in an extended skate this morning, suggesting they will again enjoy tonight’s game from their view in the home team press-box.