The Montreal Canadiens find themselves in a situation where the performance of their goaltender, Sam Montembeault, is under scrutiny. While Jakub Dobes has emerged as a reliable starter, the Canadiens need Montembeault to elevate his game to solidify the team's goaltending depth.
Montembeault's recent performance has sparked concern among analysts and fans alike. After a game against the Kings, his play was a significant topic of discussion, especially considering that Team Canada executives were present to evaluate players for the Olympics. The pressure is on for Montembeault, particularly as his tougher start to the season has put his potential Olympic roster spot in jeopardy. Insiders like Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston have indicated that Montembeault's early-season struggles have opened the door for other Canadian goaltenders.
Last season, Montembeault showed considerable improvement, posting a 2.82 goals-against average (GAA) and a .903 save percentage (SV%) in the regular season, contributing significantly to the Canadiens' fight for a playoff spot. He also maintained a solid performance in the playoff games he played, with a 2.76 GAA and a .908 SV%. However, a double groin tear in the middle of Game 3 of the first round sidelined him, impacting the team's playoff run.
This season, Montembeault's numbers have dipped, with a 4-4-1 record, a 3.52 GAA, and an .861 save percentage. These statistics highlight the inconsistency that the Canadiens are hoping he can overcome. Despite the slow start to the 2025-26 season, Montembeault is putting in extra work to improve. He has identified a need to play "bigger" in the net and has been adjusting his stance to achieve this.
Coach Martin St. Louis has expressed confidence in Montembeault's ability to rebound. St. Louis acknowledged that goalies experience streaks and remains optimistic about Montembeault's contribution to the team's success.
Montembeault has a career record of 84-87-29, with a 3.22 GAA and a .898 save percentage. He was initially drafted by the Florida Panthers in 2015 and claimed off waivers by Montreal in 2021. In December 2023, he signed a three-year contract with the Canadiens. Notably, he set an NHL record for saves in a season-opening shutout with 48 against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 9, 2024.
The Canadiens need Montembeault to regain his form to provide reliable support in net. With Dobes holding down the starting role, a strong performance from Montembeault would give the Canadiens a formidable goaltending tandem and increase their chances of success.
