Tension in the Montreal Canadiens locker room has reached a boiling point, and it’s not for a lack of scoring. After a stretch where the team netted five goals in consecutive games but still came away with zero points, legend and analyst Georges Laraque has pointed the finger directly at the culprit: goaltender Samuel Montembeault.
Stats That Don’t Lie
Laraque showed no mercy when analyzing the performance of the Quebec-born netminder, whose confidence seems to be crumbling just when the team needs him most to clinch a playoff spot.
«I don’t care about other goaltenders. My guy needs to react. That’s twice now the team gives him five goals and they still lose. How many do they need to score against the Oilers? Seven?»
Laraque snapped during his recent segment.
Laraque’s critique is backed by devastating data. Montembeault currently ranks 57th out of 60 goaltenders in save percentage across the NHL—an alarming figure for someone paid as a number one starter. With a goals-against average that continues to climb, the debate over whether he should remain the undisputed starter is more alive than ever.
The Shadow of Jakub Dobes
While Martin St-Louis’ offense is doing its part, the lack of stability in the crease has become a heavy burden. The pressure is mounting not just from external critics, but from the rise of Jakub Dobes, who has begun taking on a larger role in light of Montembeault’s inconsistency. If «Sam» doesn’t regain his composure and start stopping routine shots, Montreal’s playoff dreams could vanish through the back of their own net.