Dominique Ducharme addresses the possibility of Jake Allen starting Game 4.

If anyone had told you that there would be a question about who would start an elimination game in goal for the Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Finals you would have, rightfully, laughed at them but now after 3 straight losses for the Canadiens there are some who seem to think the question is now a legitimate one heading into Game 4.

On Saturday Montreal Canadiens' head coach Dominique Ducharme was asked about the possibility of proven National Hockey League veteran Jake Allen getting the start for Game 4 during his media availability, and unsurprisingly the Habs' bench boss immediately shut any speculation regarding Allen down. Ducharme instead made it clear that Carey Price would remain the starting netminder, likely for the remainder of the series.

"No," said Ducharme. "Carey's the guy playing Monday. If you wonder or people wonder about who's gonna be in net, Carey's gonna be in net."

The question might seem odd, when you consider that Price has been a dominant force for the Canadiens throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs and was even considered by many to be a likely candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy should the Canadiens emerge victorious in the Stanley Cup Final, but the star goaltender's numbers have dropped off considerably in this series. Over 3 games against the Lightning, Price has recorded a save percentage of just .838.

The idea of starting Allen is still more than a little far fetched when you consider the fact that the 30 year old veteran has not made a single appearance in these playoffs for the Canadiens. Allen's career numbers in the playoffs are actually quite good, with a save percentage of .924 over his 29 career playoff games, but starting him cold in an elimination game over your 10 million dollar goaltender would be potential career suicide for Dominique Ducharme who is still only an interim head coach.

The lack of a goaltending change is no surprise but you do expect that after 3 consecutive games with the wrong result there will be changes made to the Canadiens' lineup come Monday's Game 4. Ducharme was asked about that possibility on Saturday but would not confirm nor deny making any changes for what could be his final game of the season.

"We're looking at the situation right now," said Ducharme.