Samuel Montembeault silences critics with statement performance in 4-1 win over Vegas
Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
The Canadiens leave Vegas with a 4-1 win thanks to Samuel Montembeault, whose performance reignited the debate in goal and shifted the tone around the team.
What a big game from Monty.
The 29-year-old goaltender made 29 saves and quieted a lot of the noise around him after several tough outings. Montreal now sits second in the Atlantic with 29 points in 23 games and have won three straight games.
The first period was a heavy one for Montembeault, but he held strong while the Habs took the lead with Zachary Bolduc's sixth goal.
The 22-year-old forward now has 6 goals and 12 points in 23 games since joining the team.
Montembeault reignites the conversation with a key performance
The tempo shifted in the second period when Cole Caufield scored with a precise shot. Juraj Slafkovsky then finished the job with an empty-netter.
There was also an interesting moment to note: Alexandre Texier recorded his first point with Montreal by sending Jake Evans on a breakaway for the third goal.
But I really think we need to talk about Montembeault:
Here's what Mitch Gallo had to say on the subject:
"Sam Montembeault had his best game of the season, and it's not even close - and the timing couldn't have been better. Montreal was always going to need big saves to beat a team as good as the Golden Knights, and Montembeault delivered. His nicest stop came in the first period, fully stretched out to rob Tomas Hertl of what looked like a sure goal. He ended up with 29 saves on 30 shots.
The goaltending situation has been heavily debated in Montreal, but the reality is the Habs are going to need both goalies with the absolute gauntlet of games coming in December. Still, it's only one game. Montembeault will need to string a few of these performances together before anyone can say he's truly found his game."
The goaltending situation has been heavily debated in Montreal, but the reality is the Habs are going to need both goalies with the absolute gauntlet of games coming in December. Still, it's only one game. Montembeault will need to string a few of these performances together before anyone can say he's truly found his game."
Montembeault allowed only one goal, and it came at the very end on a shot by Mark Stone, who was left completely alone in front of him.
This strong outing from Monty comes at the perfect time, because Jakub Dobes will play Saturday in Denver. The Habs have already collected 4 of 6 points on this trip, and it brings some energy back into the group heading into the weekend.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 28 | 645 ANSWERS Samuel Montembeault silences critics with statement performance in 4-1 win over Vegas Did Montembeault reignite his season with this performance in Vegas? | ||
| Yes | 461 | 71.5 % |
| No | 184 | 28.5 % |
| List of polls | ||