The Montreal Canadiens received encouraging news regarding goaltender Samuel Montembeault, but the circumstances surrounding his return have ignited debate about the team’s goalie situation.
Montembeault, who missed Sunday’s game against the Blues due to illness, was back on the ice Tuesday morning at the Bell Centre, skating with the group just hours before the Lightning’s visit. His presence coincided with Kaapo Kahkonen’s reassignment to Laval, a move that seemed to clear the crease for Montembeault’s return.
However, confusion spread quickly after the Laval Rocket unexpectedly recalled goaltender Hunter Jones, fueling speculation about imminent changes in Montreal’s net. The rumors intensified when a photo of Montembeault’s locker—empty at the Bell Centre—circulated widely online, leaving fans questioning whether the Canadiens were preparing for a surprise move.
“Samuel Montembeault takes part in the morning skate,” read the official update, but no confirmation was given on whether he would start against Tampa Bay.
Jakub Dobes, who started both weekend games, performed admirably, stopping 37 of 44 shots across two nights. Still, head coach Martin St-Louis’ decision looms large, as Montembeault remains the presumed number one goaltender.