The Montreal Canadiens kicked off their week with a surprise early morning practice in Brossard, raising eyebrows just 36 hours before their clash with the Los Angeles Kings. While the team officially framed the session as routine preparation, the timing and tone suggest deeper concerns—especially after a week marked by narrow losses and lingering questions about late-game execution.
Head coach Martin St-Louis gathered the squad at 10:30 a.m. to recalibrate lines and address the team’s recurring issue: surrendering leads in the final minutes. Despite a dominant 6–2 win over the Mammoth, the Canadiens dropped tight contests to the Flyers and Devils, exposing vulnerabilities that could haunt them in the upcoming stretch against the Kings, Stars, and Bruins.
But the real drama brews in the crease. With Samuel Montembeault coming off a strong performance, speculation swirls around whether rookie Jakub Dobes will get the nod on Tuesday. The young goaltender has impressed in limited action, and with a packed schedule ahead, many insiders believe it’s time to rotate and preserve stamina.
The Canadiens have yet to confirm their starter, fueling debate among fans and analysts. Is this strategic ambiguity or indecision? In a season where every point matters, the lack of clarity could signal internal tension—or a calculated move to keep opponents guessing.
Either way, the early practice and goalie silence have turned a routine Monday into a headline-grabbing moment. The Bell Centre awaits, but the Canadiens’ biggest battle may be happening off the ice.