"The team has confidence in both guys. They get along well and feed off each other in a healthy way."
Even though they won't admit it, Aebischer and Huet have been battling one another for the No.1 spot and it appears one netminder is pulling ahead of the other.
Huet, 31, has posted an 8-2-2 record in 14 games with the Canadiens. He ranks third amongst all NHL goalies in goals-against with a 2.10 average and second in save percentage with a .935 rating.
The native of France is consistently proving last season wasn't a flash in the pan -- but it certainly was impressive.
Last year's winner of the Roger Crozier Trophy (best save percentage - .929) had an 11-3-2 record, a 1.67 GAA and a .946 save percentage in 17 games at the Bell Centre in 2005-06, and he continues to impress the hometown crowd.
Huet, who has won his last five consecutive starts, has quickly become a fan favorite since his first game as a Canadien on December 17, 2005 against the Minnesota Wild. While the soft-spoken goalie likes to share his success with his teammates, there are obvious reasons why Habs fans cheer his name almost every game.
"Right now, he's playing like he's one of the best (goalies in the league) and if he keeps going like that, he's going to be there," Canadiens center Radek Bonk told the Montreal Gazette.
Huet's stellar play has led to recent speculation that the Canadiens are willing to entertain offers for Aebischer, with such teams as Phoenix and Tampa Bay supposedly showing interest.
It appears unlikely Montreal GM Bob Gainey will pull the trigger on a trade any time soon, given the team's recent success. Should Gainey decide to make a deal, it would most certainly be one to improve his club's chances of winning on a daily basis.
So as the Canadiens prepare to play seven of their next 10 games at home, it wouldn't be out of the question to see Huet handle most of the responsibility between the pipes. And should he stumble, Carbonneau has the luxury – one of which every coach in the league would love to have – of placing Aebischer in net... for now.
