It’s a good thing Samuel Montembeault is here

It’s a good thing Samuel Montembeault is here. Otherwise, it would be 2-0 in favor of the Capitals…

In all seriousness, the Canadiens’ goaltender, who had never played in the playoffs before in the pros, was an important player this week in the two games presented in Washington.

Without him, the CH wasn’t in the games.

In both cases, I thought he helped set the tone in the first period. He made some big saves that helped his team gain confidence quickly.

And that’s even if things were choppy on the ice.

In two playoff games, Monty didn’t taste victory, but he only gave away five goals. His 2.49 GAA and .921 save percentage are worthy of a goaltender who plays in front of a defense that can’t be described as airtight.

He basically does what he’s told.

Despite the loss, it’s another solid performance from Samuel Montembeault! pic.twitter.com/ZjEdrfYpMm

– L’Antichambre (@Antichambre) April 24, 2025

It’s worth noting that since the start of the series, both goalkeepers have been getting the job done. Logan Thompson, who is coming back from injury, stole yesterday’s game a little for the Capitals, let’s face it. He hasn’t been tested enough, but he’s been good at the right times.

There aren’t really any nasty goals scoring on either side, let’s say.

Both Logan Thompson and Samuel Montembeault keeping their teams in it, but Thompson truly stole last night’s game for the Capitals.

At this point they simply need to continue attacking the play and get some puck luck. Emphasis on the first half of that sentence. pic.twitter.com/qTwmgSYCUl

– Marco D’Amico (@mndamico) April 24, 2025

At the World Championship in 2023, Samuel Montembeault has risen to the occasion. In the series, the Quebecer is doing well. He did a good job in the run-up to the series. He performed well when it came time to solidify his place at the Four Nations Confrontation.

When it’s important, the guy stands up.

We know he was challenged by Jakub Dobes for a few games to steal playing time, and he responded well. He’ll be going through the same thing with Jacob Fowler in the future.

But clearly, Monty is making a case for himself as the club’s keeper of the future and not just the one who’s there in the meantime. Not bad for a guy who was tossed out four years ago…

in gossip

– In the playoffs, it hits.

Playoff field hockey is a lot like that,” says the CH defenseman. https://t.co/Y0bE7iuxla

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) April 24, 2025

– Coach doesn’t criticize referees too much.

Asked Martin St. Louis this morning: Can you take advantage of the way the series is being called?
“I mean, it’s tough,” he said. “You toe that line. I’m watching other games, too, it’s hard. I feel like we’ve done a decent job, but you’ve still got to be careful crossing the..

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) April 24, 2025

– What’s next for the Islanders?

What’s next for the #Isles now that they’ve moved on from GM Lou Lamoriello?@ChrisBottaNHL: “At the top of the chain, I think there’s a good chance that you could see kind of a 2-headed system “#thesickpodcast @MurphysLaw74 pic.twitter.com/vV0GVroqto

– The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test (@sickpodnhl) April 24, 2025

– Things are going well in San Diego.

1 – San Diego Padres (1)
2 – Los Angeles Dodgers (2)
3 – New York Mets (3)
4 – New York Yankees (7)
5 – Chicago Cubs (6)
(.. .) https://t.co/ZGLNr4ps6I

– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) April 24, 2025

– Interesting.

Michael Andlauer, #GoSensGo owner, has sold his business, Andlauer Healthcare, for $1.6 billion U.S https://t.co/hsMAEiFuee

– Ryan Hyndman (@RBHyndman) April 24, 2025