Samuel Montembeault, the 29-year-old goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, is currently confronting a challenging start to the NHL season. Following a recent game against the Boston Bruins, where he allowed three goals on 23 shots, Montembeault is working hard to regain his confidence and consistency.
Challenges Faced by Montembeault
After the game at the Bell Centre on Saturday, where the Canadiens suffered a defeat, Montembeault expressed optimism about his performance. Although the statistics remain unfavorable, he feels the tides are beginning to turn. “If we look closely at some of my recent games, there have been good moments,” he stated, citing performances against the Los Angeles Kings and the Philadelphia Flyers.
Despite conceding three quick goals against the Flyers, Montembeault followed up with 37 consecutive saves. Consistency is his main focus moving forward. He mentioned the importance of not overthinking during games to maintain his reflexes.
Impact of Social Media and Fan Expectations
The goalie has taken steps to manage the pressures that come with playing in Montreal, including removing certain social media applications after facing criticism following a previous game against the Edmonton Oilers. “It’s my fifth year here, and I know what to expect,” Montembeault added. “This season, expectations are even higher as fans want more wins.” The competitive nature of the city further adds to the pressure.
Injury Setbacks for the Team
Compounding Montreal’s struggles, the team announced that forward Kirby Dach will be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a fractured right foot sustained during the recent match. This injury follows others to players such as Alex Newhook and Kaiden Guhle. Coach Martin St-Louis emphasized that the team will not ask players to play more cautiously, as blocking shots is a fundamental part of the game.
Roster Changes Ahead of the Game Against the Blue Jackets
In response to Dach’s injury, the Canadiens called up Joshua Roy from the Laval Rocket. Roy, 22, will join the Canadiens as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has only played one game with the Canadiens this season but has been productive in Laval, recording seven points in ten games.
Additionally, Jakub Dobeš has been confirmed as the starting goaltender for the upcoming game. In his last appearance, Dobeš faced five goals on 13 shots before being pulled after two periods in a game against the Dallas Stars.
Outlook for Montembeault and the Canadiens
As the season progresses, Montembeault understands the need to deliver performances reminiscent of last season, which helped the Canadiens reach the playoffs in April. With passionate fans expecting success, he is determined to turn the tide and help his team achieve its goals.
