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Al Montoya’s No. 1 fan has always been his mother.

“She always watches … rain or shine, she says I did great,” the Canadiens’ backup goaltender said with a smile after practice Wednesday in Brossard.

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Montoya’s mother, Dr. Irene Silva, was watching Tuesday night from Chicago when Montoya stopped 34 of 36 shots in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre. Montoya did great — not only in his mother’s eyes — but unfortunately his teammates could only score one goal for him.

Montoya has done a solid job as Carey Price’s backup this season, posting an 8-6-4 record with a 2.67 goals-against average and .912 save percentage. Montoya’s stats would be much better if former coach Michel Therrien didn’t leave him in net for all 10 goals in a 10-0 road loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Nov. 4, during which the goalie faced 40 shots. Montoya’s mother must have wanted to cover her eyes during that game.