Martin St-Louis shifts stance on Montembeault and confirms the goalie competition is now open
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
Early in the season, head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, made a big statement regarding goaltender Samuel Montembeault.
Despite his struggles after a few games, St-Louis had said that he believed a team needed to have a true number-one goaltender capable of taking on the bulk of the workload, and he had confirmed that this goaltender, for his team, was clearly Samuel Montembeault.
In other words, St-Louis indicated he preferred having a true number-one rather than a shared system where both play equally.
He had planned to give most of the games to Montembeault and make him the number one goalie.
The exact statement is also right here:
"I believe you need to have a goaltender capable of taking on the bulk of the workload, and I think that goaltender is Montembeault. We're currently working in that direction."
- Martin St-Louis via Anthony Martineau
- Martin St-Louis via Anthony Martineau
That said, his approach appears to have shifted since then.
Martin St-Louis changes his mind regarding his use of Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes
Here's what he just said in a press conference, when asked when the time would finally come to open a real competition between the two goaltenders (for the number-one job).
"I believe we've reached that point.
I believe both goaltenders are getting their starts right now and we will continue to evaluate that, but I expect both goaltenders to make our decisions difficult."
- Martin St-Louis
I believe both goaltenders are getting their starts right now and we will continue to evaluate that, but I expect both goaltenders to make our decisions difficult."
- Martin St-Louis
It's quite a change in tone!
This strongly suggests Montembeault is no longer treated as the clear number-one goaltender, and the competition is now open between the two Canadiens goalies!
A situation to follow over the next few games!
Monty had another rough game and was pulled against the Capitals after allowing three goals on ten shots. Dobes also struggled, and the Canadiens ultimately lost 8-4 on home ice.
In 12 starts, Montembeault has 4 wins, a .852 save percentage, and a 3.71 goals-against average.
By comparison, Dobes has 6 wins in 10 starts with a .892 save percentage and a 2.96 goals-against average.
The Canadiens' next game is Saturday night against the struggling Maple Leafs, and it will be interesting to see who gets the start in net.
Previously on Habs Fanatics
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 20 | 1154 ANSWERS Martin St-Louis shifts stance on Montembeault and confirms the goalie competition is now open Who would you start on Saturday against the Leafs? | ||
| Montembeault | 159 | 13.8 % |
| Dobes | 995 | 86.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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