The Montreal Canadiens’ defeat against the Edmonton Oilers didn’t just frustrate fans—it lit up the microphones of the podcast Le Club du matin, where former player and analyst Gilbert Delorme unleashed a scathing critique of goaltender Samuel Montembeault.
“Make a freaking save, make a stop, you don’t have a choice!” Delorme exclaimed, visibly angry about the goalie’s performance. “You’re on the road, no excuses. You have to know how to manage your game.” But the most explosive line came next: “We can blame the referees if we want, but he won’t change his call. Shut your mouth and play!”
Delorme’s words sparked immediate reactions across social media, with fans split between applauding his bluntness and accusing him of crossing the line. The former defenseman didn’t just question Montembeault’s level—he openly called for a change in net: “In Vancouver, it has to be Dobes. For me, it’s a no-brainer.”
Delorme defended young Czech goalie Jakub Dobes, saying he deserves the coaching staff’s trust. “Yesterday you scored five goals. You’re not supposed to walk away with zero points,” he added, pointing to the lack of defensive support that cost the game.
While Martin St-Louis and Cole Caufield sent messages to the NHL over controversial referee calls, Delorme went straight to the heart of the issue: goaltending. And although his words were harsh, many in Montreal agree they reflect the frustration of a fanbase demanding results.
The real question now isn’t just who starts in goal on Tuesday—but whether Montembeault can regain the trust of a team and city that, for now, wants fewer excuses and more saves.