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Bottom Six Minutes: A goaltending controversy in Montreal?

Jan 18, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs right wing William Nylander (88) scores a goal against Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) during the third period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Despite jumping out to a commanding three-goal lead in the first period on Saturday night, the Montreal Canadiens could not defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs. Quite the opposite, in fact, as they surrendered seven straight goals in a collapse we would expect more from last year’s iteration of the Habs than this one.. It was about as disappointing as Saturday nights at the Bell Centre can go, and hopefully one they can put behind them quickly.

What might be tougher to put behind them is the possibility that a goaltending controversy is brewing in Montreal.

In retrospect, it was perhaps a tad unfair for me to lay the loss at Samuel Montembeault’s feet alone. Defensive lapses did him no favours, particularly given that they were coming against an offensively charged team like the Leafs. That said, goaltending was clearly a major factor in the game. Joseph Woll badly outplayed Montembeault, and this game should have been closer than it was.

Scoring chances were 37-30 in favour of Montreal, and high-danger chances were 18-13 in their favour as well. At least a few of the chances that went in during the second and third periods were stoppable pucks, so the Leafs may have won that game even with better goaltending for Montreal, but it would have been considerably closer by the end. I can’t help but wonder if an outing like that forces the coaching staff to consider moving Montembeault to the 1B role, if not to backup duties altogether.

Jakub Dobes has given the Habs nothing but excellent outings since being recalled from Laval. While it may seem premature to anoint him the starter after a mere four starts, part of the game when it comes to goaltending is riding the hot hand. Right now, that’s Dobes. If he goes out and has a strong showing tonight, it will be hard to justify not making him the de facto starter, giving him more work, as well as the marquee matchups.

Whether or not you’re of the mind to charge that loss to Montembeault, you would probably agree that he was outplayed by Woll. The Habs have reached a point where they need their starter to not be outplayed like that.

Click the play button below to listen to your full Bottom Six Minutes, also available wherever you get your podcasts. We will return tonight, as the Habs are hosting the New York Rangers at the Bell Centre.

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