Montreal Canadiens goaltender Samuel Montembeault has emphatically silenced his early-season critics, staging a remarkable return to form highlighted by a 39-save performance in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, January 14, 2026.
A Goaltender Transformed
Just over a week after being labeled the league's weakest performer in net, Montembeault looked like a completely different player against Washington. He turned away 42 shots for a stellar .929 save percentage, keeping the Habs in a game where they were heavily outplayed in the latter stages. His clutch save on Brett Leason in the third period, requiring a lightning-fast leg extension, was a highlight-reel moment that underscored his regained agility and confidence.
The Capitals unleashed a barrage of 15 shots in the third period to erase a 2-0 deficit, with both goals coming from deflections. Montembeault then faced another 10 shots in overtime before Washington finally secured the win. Despite the loss, his performance was a clear statement: the player who was a key part of Montreal's surprising playoff run last season and a member of Team Canada for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off is back.
The Weight of Expectation and a Path Forward
Montembeault's dramatic fall from grace earlier this season has been attributed to the intense pressure that comes with being a francophone star in Montreal. The spotlight grew brighter with a slew of commercial appearances, transforming him into "Le Gars" overnight. This scrutiny, compounded by commentary on French radio and even at family gatherings, appeared to shatter his confidence, causing him to retreat into his net and play smaller.
The catalyst for his turnaround remains a private matter, but the result is undeniable. His resurgence creates a positive dilemma for the Canadiens' management. The logical solution now appears to be a tandem system with the promising Jacob Fowler, sending Jakub Dobes to the Laval Rocket to ensure regular playing time for all involved. Maintaining three goaltenders has been criticized as disruptive, creating unnecessary daily drama around who plays and who sits.
Resolving the Crease Controversy
The three-goalie situation came to a head recently when Dobes, after a 6-3 win over Vancouver, expressed confusion at the prospect of a demotion. Coach Martin St. Louis later bristled at a reporter's question on the topic, highlighting the tense environment the logjam creates. A clear rotation between a confident Montembeault and Fowler provides stability and allows both to develop rhythm.
With the Eastern Conference remaining wide open, reliable goaltending is paramount for any playoff push. Samuel Montembeault's rediscovered game is not just a personal victory; it's a critical piece of the puzzle for the Canadiens' second-half aspirations. The player who was once backing in is now confidently holding his ground, and Montreal's fortunes have improved because of it.
