Alex Auld gets the start tonight against the Florida Panthers, according to the Montreal Gazette, in the second half of a back-to-back set of games for the Habs. The decision was expected as Carey Price has been overworked in the eyes of many fans and pundits this season, and Florida is sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference, 25th in the NHL with a 22-22-6 record.
Auld has a 3-2-0 record this season in 7 appearances, with a 2.20 GAA and .926 save percentage. sparkling numbers when considering his limited starts
Florida’s record however is deceiving, as they have been a very competitive team all year, with just a -1 goal differential despite Tomas Vokoun, who starts tonight, getting fewer starts this year than usual. Florida is coming off a shootout loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last night.
Auld is making his second home start of the season, trying to rebound from a disastrous game against Calgary where the Canadiens blew a 4-0 lead before Price replace Auld, and P.K. Subban scored in overtime to win the game. Auld previously faced the Panthers on December 31st, 2010 where he halted a losing streak in a 3-2 overtime win, with James Wisnewski securing the victory.
