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Brendan Gallagher sends clear message of support for Samuel Montembeault ahead of Panthers game
Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL
Brendan Gallagher has once again stepped up for Samuel Montembeault.
In recent hours, Gallagher reiterated that the locker room's confidence has not changed. He also spoke about Montembeault's work ethic, even when things get difficult. The message is simple: the group still believes in its goaltender.
The numbers, however, tell a more complicated story for Montembeault this season. In 2025-26, he holds a 5-6-1 record with a .857 save percentage. His goals-against average sits at 3.65. He also saw playing time with the Laval Rocket, posting a .904 save percentage and a 2.53 goals-against average.
Brendan Gallagher Sends a Clear Message of Confidence in Samuel Montembeault
"He's battled hard, he's worked hard. There have been times this year, it hasn't gone his way but his mentality and work ethic hasn't changed. Our belief in him hasn't wavered either...When he's in the net, you're always confident and it's no different tonight."
- Brendan Gallagher
- Brendan Gallagher
In this context, it's striking that Gallagher is the one speaking up. At 33 years old, he still earns $6.5 million per season through 2026-27. In 2025-26, he has 12 points in 38 games, with two goals and 10 assists.
Montembeault, meanwhile, is 29 years old and earns $3.15 million per season under his current deal. His three-year contract totals $9.45 million. When a goaltender is going through a rough patch, this kind of public support carries significant weight in Montreal.
We also shouldn't forget last season. Montembeault played 62 games and finished with a 31-24-7 record, along with a .902 save percentage. Put simply, he already knows what it's like to carry a heavy workload.
In Montreal, patience is costly-but so is trust. And when a veteran like Gallagher insists, it's a sign that the locker room wants to see Monty reclaim his spot.
That support now carries immediate meaning. Montembeault will get the start tonight against the Florida Panthers, giving him a chance to answer the faith shown by his teammates. With Gallagher publicly backing him, the message is clear: the room is behind Monty, and the net is still his to reclaim.
More to come.