The Canadiens may have gotten a clearer look at their goaltending picture Monday night in Trois-Rivières, and Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes each had a chance to make a case as the season approaches.
Montembeault, who was greeted by a loud crowd in his hometown area, got the start against the Ottawa Senators and clearly fed off the reception. He said:
"It was really fun. I had family here as well.
When they said my name as the starting goaltender, there was a lot of noise, and it’s fun to see that kind of support. I love being in Trois-Rivières.
I always come back in the offseason with my whole family, so it’s great to get everyone’s support."
After turning in a strong outing in Toronto on Saturday, Montembeault allowed a goal on the first shot he faced, but it wasn’t the kind of goal that tells the full story. The Senators executed a clean play behind the net and sent the puck across in front, leaving him with little chance to stop it.
He ended up logging a little more than 32 minutes in goal and gave up just one marker, though he only had to handle eight shots. The performance wasn’t spotless, and he did appear a bit uneasy at times, but it was still a solid night overall.
Dobes, meanwhile, made his own push with a strong showing of his own. He played just over 30 minutes, faced 12 shots and allowed one goal, with Dylan Cozens beating him on a rebound after the first save. That goal didn’t leave much room for criticism.
The Czech netminder also continued to show the same willingness to roam and help his defense that he displayed in last year’s playoffs. He picked up an assist on Cole Caufield’s game-tying goal in the third period, then delivered two huge stops in overtime, including a save on a two-on-one and another on a breakaway.
Dobes looked the part of a goalie who can take charge. He played with confidence, gave his teammates trust behind him, and made it easier for them to attack with force. Based on this outing, he should be the man in net when the Canadiens open in Toronto next week.
That leaves Montembeault in a more uncertain spot. He could be on the outside looking in unless Kent Hughes finds a move for him.
The article points to the Winnipeg Jets as a possible fit, with Connor Hellebuyck suspended and not reporting to camp after requesting a trade. The Edmonton Oilers are also mentioned as a team that might be looking for insurance after signing Frederik Andersen to a one-year deal, only for Andersen to already be injured and missing camp.
Jacob Fowler, for his part, has also made a positive first impression. He gave up one goal on 10 shots in his only game so far and has shown he belongs in the NHL.
Even so, he may still wind up in Laval, since he doesn’t need waivers to go there. The bigger picture remains the same: Fowler is part of what comes next, while Montembeault is in the final year of his contract and is not expected to receive an extension from the Canadiens.
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For a prospect already drawing scrutiny, the timing is less than ideal. Pugachyov has recently added significant weight and has faced criticism about both his fitness and his engagement on the ice, so every update around his development now carries a little more weight of its own. The Canadiens will likely be patient, but this kind of early setback only adds another layer to the questions surrounding where he goes from here. [Read more 🡒]