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Monty didn’t play in the NHL playoffs, but he was excellent at the World Championship
Marc-Olivier Cook
Monty didn’t play in the NHL playoffs, but he was excellent at the World Championship
Credit: Getty Images
The Canadiens enter the playoffs with a young squad.

Many of the team’s players haven’t yet had a taste of the playoffs in the National League, so seeing the CH qualify for the spring dance is a good thing.

Some of them will be able to add experience, and with a view to the next few years, when the club will be more competitive, that’s a good thing.

Among the guys who haven’t played in the NHL playoffs is Samuel Montembeault.

But for Monty, we can push the note even further: the Quebecer hasn’t participated in a playoff since he played in the QMJHL.

His last playoff appearance came in the 16-17 season, when he played for the Bailnville-Boisbriand Armada.

He hasn’t played a playoff game since turning pro:

(Credit: HockeyDB.com)

But… let’s not forget one thing either.

Monty may not have played in the NHL playoffs, but he was excellent in front of his net at the World Championship in 2023.

The Canadiens’ goalie was dominant… and he helped Canada win the gold medal:

  • 6-1-0 record
  • Goals-against average of 1.42 (!)
  • Efficiency rate of .939 (!)

Of course, you’ll tell me that the playoffs and the World Championship are two completely different things. And they are.

But still: Monty has proved he can keep a cool head and stand up at an important moment – on the international stage no less – and that’s what he’ll have to do against the Capitals.

He also gained experience practicing with Canada’s top players at the 4 Nations Confrontation. That’s no mean feat…

I was at practice this morning in Brossard and caught a glimpse of the Quebecer working alone with Éric Raymond and Alexandre Burrows for several minutes.

The Canadiens want to prepare him properly for the series against the Caps, who have several offensive players in their line-up :

Samuel Montembeault has shown time and again this season that he can help the Habs.

But the playoffs are something else… and I’ll be curious to see what he’s got up his sleeve

Because we know that a dominant goalie in the playoffs can lead his team to glory.

The CH will need Monty – as they did this season – if they hope to make any headway in the playoffs.


In a gust

– Logical.

– Of note for the Capitals.

– What will the Oilers line-up look like tomorrow night?

– Ah well.

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