Samuel Montembeault cost the Canadiens crucial points

Mathis Therrien
Samuel Montembeault cost the Canadiens crucial points
Credit: Getty Images

The Montreal Canadiens were playing an extremely important game last night in Boston against the Bruins, and unfortunately, it ended in a heartbreaking defeat, and in regulation time no less.

It's a heartbreaking defeat, as the Habs really dropped the game they seemed to have in the bag, even if it was only a one-goal lead throughout.

To lose 4-3 by allowing two goals in 12 seconds late in the third period is truly horrible.

The Habs didn't play a bad game, weren't lucky to lead for most of the game, but still lost to a Bruins team that only got 21 shots on net.

It's obvious that you can blame Samuel Montembeault just by looking at the stats, and it's even more obvious when you look at the game and the goals the Québécois goaltender allowed.

In all seriousness, Monty didn't look good last night, and he hurt his team badly, as he was never able to protect the lead his teammates had given him.

Although Montembeault had had better outings since his return from Laval, a performance like yesterday's really raises all possible doubts about him, as he really cost the Habs the game.

It was a game of great importance against a direct division rival in the playoff race, and once again, Monty wasn't up to the task.

All in all, despite some good saves, Montembeault probably allowed three bad goals out of four last night, which is far too many, especially when the opposing team only had 21 shots.

The tying goal hurt the Habs badly, as Montembeault simply can't let in a weak backhand shot under his right arm.

What's more, a few seconds later, Monty failed to stop a shot from VERY far out by Morgan Geekie.

And that's not to mention the Bruins' second goal, where the Québécois goalie is completely out of position and out of his goal.

Of course, the Habs' numerical disadvantage was horrible yesterday, allowing three goals on four chances, but in the end, if Montembeault were a confident rock in front of the net, it wouldn't have come to this.

In short, it's a real shame to see the Habs falling apart for the simple reason that the goalie in front of the net isn't making the important saves.

The Habs' only problem this season is clearly not solved, as Martin St-Louis doesn't have a goalie he can trust.

And what's worse, this stress and worry about goaltending will only increase the closer we get to the playoffs.

Management will become all the more crucial, and the Habs all the more in need of good performances, but it's doubtful that this will happen consistently, even if Jakub Dobes wins more often than not.

If the Canadiens ever miss the playoffs, it will be clear why.


Overtime

– Habs prospect Bryce Pickford fumes under pressure and doubters. [RG Media]

– Really.

– Incredible.

– It's obvious.

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