Samuel Montembeault's journey with the Montreal Canadiens this season has been a rollercoaster, but his resilience and team spirit are shining through. Since Jacob Fowler's recall on March 11th, Montembeault has found himself out of the starter's net, a tough pill to swallow for any athlete. Yet, instead of letting this setback dampen his spirits, Montembeault has embraced his role with grace and positivity, proving invaluable to a Canadiens team fighting for a playoff spot.
The future of the Canadiens’ goaltending seems to be in the hands of young talents Jakub Dobes and Fowler. However, Montembeault isn't just biding his time on the sidelines.
His dedication to the team was evident during practice, where he played an unexpected role. Instead of a skater, it was Montembeault himself who acted as a screen for Fowler during drills, highlighting his commitment to the team's success.
Nick Suzuki often praises the tight-knit nature of the Canadiens, and Montembeault’s actions reinforce this camaraderie. Though he may have lost his starting position, Montembeault isn’t coasting through the rest of the season. His work ethic is unwavering-he's the first on the ice and the last to leave, continually honing his skills.
Working closely with new goalie coach Marco Marciano, Montembeault is determined to identify and correct the issues that have plagued him this season. Last year, he was a cornerstone for Montreal, especially during their playoff push.
His stats, while not eye-popping with a 2.80 goals against average and a .902 save percentage, don’t tell the whole story. His 24.6 goals saved above expected ranked fifth in the NHL, underscoring his impact in crucial moments.
Montembeault’s struggles this season are perplexing, given his previous heroics. Yet, his perseverance and dedication to improvement are clear signs that his journey in the NHL is far from over. Whether he remains with the Canadiens or finds a new opportunity, Montembeault’s qualities both on and off the ice ensure he’ll continue to be a valuable asset in professional hockey.