Sam Montembeault made historical past on the opening evening of the 2024-25 common season, setting an NHL report for essentially the most saves in a season-opening shutout with 47 because the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 1-0. The 27-year-old netminder was unbeatable, irritating Toronto’s offense and serving to the Canadiens kick off the season in model.
Montembeault, getting into his fourth season with the Canadiens, continues to determine himself because the go-to goaltender for head coach Martin St. Louis. Final season, he appeared in 41 video games and posted a .903 save proportion, together with a stable +3.3 targets saved above anticipated (GSAx). His efficiency not solely solidified his position because the staff’s present starter but in addition confirmed his reliability underneath stress.
He obtained the nod on Wednesday. Whereas it will have been good to get extra run help from the Canadiens offense, Montembeault was stellar in purpose. He stopped 18 photographs within the first interval, 13 within the second, and 14 within the third. Cole Caufield obtained the lone purpose for the Canadiens within the first interval, on an help from Juraj Slavkofvsky and Kirby Dach. Montembeaut shut the door the remainder of the best way.
The Maple Leafs Didn’t Make It Simple on Montembeault
His 47-save shutout towards a high-powered Maple Leafs lineup might be remembered as a standout efficiency, setting a excessive bar for the season. Whether or not Montembeault can proceed his sturdy begin or Cayden Primeau makes a compelling case for extra ice time, the Canadiens seem well-positioned in purpose for 2024-25.
Subsequent: Is a Rival Messing with Oilers Amid Raphael Lavoie Waiver Choices?
