It’s Mike’s fault at Rona

Jacob Fowler's recall (along with his excellent performance) confirms one thing: the Canadiens aren't afraid to make big decisions this season. Samuel Montembeault's situation had become problematic, and the Habs made a decision.
As a result, right now, we see Samuel Montembeault as the #3 goalie in town… and we wonder if he'll get the chance to play a little more this season.
Naturally, we wonder what caused his season to take such a turn. His injury from the 2025 playoffs is supposedly far behind him, and the Habs have confirmed that he isn't injured right now. It's clearly the mental aspect that's the hardest part. But even though we know he'll work hard to get his spot back, we still wonder what's causing all this.
And in my opinion, it's clear: it's Mike's fault at Rona. Yes, for those wondering, I'm being sarcastic.
If Luc Gélinas can pin Félix Riopel's setbacks on Alex Ovechkin, Mario Lemieux, Carey Price, and Patrick Roy, we can pin Monty's misfortunes on McDonald's. Right? We know it (do we know it?): there are McDonald's and EA Sports curses in the world of sports. And this year, after his McDonald's commercials with Mike at Rona and for the collectible sticks, Monty started to struggle. That must be THE reason for his struggles, right? #SarcasticAgain

Very cool video showing Samuel Montembeault's “Chicken Bacon Ranch Poutine” mask, which was made for a @McDonaldsCanada commercial (see in 2nd post). & : @JBoAirbrush pic.twitter.com/5WSbTWlukz
— Goalie Gear Nerd (@GoalieGearNerd) November 18, 2025

It's clear that since the pandemic, the McPlayer curse has been in effect—yes, indeed. Last year, Juraj Slafkovsky didn't make any major strides forward like he did in 2023–2024 or this year.
If he hasn't been a McPlayer in a given season since 2023, he takes a giant leap forward.
Cole Caufield was the player from 2021–2022 to 2023–2024. During those years, he got off to a rough start, got injured, and stagnated in his third year. Since he's no longer the McPlayer, he's taken his game to another level.
In his first year, he was named alongside Tyler Toffoli. Caufield had been sent down to the minors, and Toffoli had been traded to Calgary during the season.

WELCOME TO CALGARY! The #Flames have acquired Tyler Toffoli (@tytoff16) from Montreal: https://t.co/DG32oJO8cf pic.twitter.com/JojnXbtr3m
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) February 14, 2022

Of course, we know there's more to the Quebec goalie's season than just curses. But as they say, we're looking everywhere for answers to understand what happened with the goalie. After all, the contrast with last year is striking. It's hard to explain. But in reality, the answer probably comes from Luc Gélinas. In his five-volume series on Félix Riopel, it was Ovechkin's fault, Lemieux's, Price's, Roy's… and finally, Félix Riopel's.
In the end, it will be up to Monty to step up. And it won't be easy between now and the end of the season, despite all the will in the world and despite the fact that he's a good jack.

In a nutshell– Ouch.

At this point, one wonders if the Mariners will have to trade the outfielder. https://t.co/KPHH20RXV7
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) March 13, 2026
— His message is clear.

While, unfortunately, Don Cherry has in the past made unacceptable and derogatory remarks toward Francophones, among others, his support for our military cannot be disputed.
It is up to the Order of Canada committee to decide.
Personally, I do not support his…
— Gérard Deltell (@gerarddeltell) March 13, 2026
— We're keeping an eye on the situation.

Luke Mittelstadt flew out of Pennsylvania today to return to the University of Minnesota campus.
He will meet with his advisors on Thursday and Friday before making his decision. @TVASports #CH https://t.co/X0exQxKiXj
— Nicolas Cloutier (@NCloutierTVA) March 12, 2026
– Yvan Cournoyer believes the Canadiens' young core can be successful. [RG media] – More games in Europe on the schedule.

The Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks will play two regular-season games in Düsseldorf next December as part of a new NHL/NHLPA strategy to grow their footprint in Germany. The league will play games in Germany for at least the next three seasons, among other initiatives.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 13, 2026