The Canadiens’ head coach, Martin St-Louis, did not hesitate to say that Samuel Montembeault played “like a number 1 goalie.”
St-Louis was more cautious when asked about the sharing of starts between its three goalkeepers since the start of the season.
“ [Montembeault] got more starts than the other two. There is some separation,” St-Louis said after Montembeault’s brilliant performance in a 4-3 shootout victory for the Canadiens against the New York Rangers on Saturday night.
“He gets a few more starts that maybe he didn’t have at the start of the season,” he added. We continue to manage the situation. »
Montembeault, for his part, continues to give arguments to obtain more and more starts, especially if the Canadian wishes to stay in the race for the playoffs as long as possible.
After his 45-save evening against the Rangers, the Quebec goalie has a record of 9-5-3 with an average of 2.93 and an efficiency rate of 0.906.
Veteran Jake Allen is 4-8-2, but has just one win in his last 10 outings. Young Cayden Primeau has a 4-4-0 record with a 3.30 GAA and 0.898 save percentage.
Montembeault also opted for caution when asked about his use after the victory against the Rangers.
“I don’t think about that. I try to be ready when they send me in front of the net, he said. I was happy to play against Dallas [mardi] and getting right back in front of the net after my game in Tampa Bay. And I’m happy with my last two matches. »
Montembeault admitted to being disappointed with his performance against the Lightning last Sunday. He redeemed himself by helping the Canadiens beat the Stars and Rangers, two teams that should be in the playoffs this spring.
“He’s at a point now in his career where he’s capable of winning games for us,” said forward Brendan Gallagher. It’s difficult to do that in this league. But he works hard every day in training. And it’s special for him to play for the Canadian.
“I remember his first game against the Buffalo Sabres. It didn’t go very well. But he never lost confidence in himself,” added Gallagher.
Montembeault said he also remembers that 5-1 loss to the Sabers on October 14, 2021.
“I have come a long way working with the goalie coach,” said the 27-year-old Quebecer. My first season here wasn’t easy, but I continued to work. And I’m happy with where I am today. »
The Canadian will return to training on Monday and will play his next game on Wednesday, when he visits the Philadelphia Flyers. He will host the San Jose Sharks the next day at the Bell Center.
Once again, goalie usage will speak volumes about the team’s intentions this season.