The Montreal Canadiens have made a significant change in their coaching staff by terminating Éric Raymond, their goaltending coach. This decision was announced on Wednesday morning. Marco Marciano, who previously specialized in goaltending with the Laval Rocket, will take over the interim position until the end of the current season.
Current Goalkeeping Situation
After 53 games played this season, the Canadiens rank 24th in the NHL for goals allowed, averaging 3.26 per game. Interestingly, this staffing change comes just hours after Jakub Dobeš delivered one of the team’s best performances this season.
The Canadiens’ goaltending duo of Dobeš and Samuel Montembeault has faced numerous challenges since the beginning of October. Montembeault, in particular, has seen a sharp decline in his performance compared to last season. His current statistics place him among the league’s lowest-ranked goalies.
Performance Challenges
Before Christmas, Montembeault was briefly assigned to the Rocket for reconditioning, allowing him to work with Marciano, a coach he has known for years. After returning to the Canadiens, Montembeault struggled in recent games against the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins.
- Dobeš started the season strongly but has experienced a significant slump.
- His save percentage stands at .890, but he boasts a winning record of 16-5-3.
- Jacob Fowler has proven to be the most stable goaltender for the Canadiens this season.
Éric Raymond’s Tenure
Éric Raymond had joined the Canadiens in the summer of 2021 during Dominique Ducharme’s brief coaching stint. This marked Raymond’s first full-time role as an NHL goaltending coach. Before this position, he had worked in a consultant role with the New York Rangers.
Raymond’s time in Montreal coincided with significant changes, including the absence of Carey Price, who played only five games upon his return in April. During his tenure, Raymond’s most notable achievement was the development of Montembeault into the team’s primary starter, leading to his selection for Team Canada in last winter’s Four Nations tournament.
Future Prospects for Marco Marciano
With the remaining 29 games in the season, Marco Marciano will have the longest mandate in the NHL to date. He has been recognized for his excellent work with goaltenders in the QMJHL, including his previous stints with the Montreal Junior and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.
If Marciano performs well, he may be considered for the full-time coaching position after the season concludes. His extensive experience, including previous interim duties with the Canadiens, positions him as a strong candidate for this role.
