Samuel Montembeault reveals the real reason behind his difficult start to the season
Photo credit: Screenshot/YouTube
The Montreal Canadiens goaltender, Samuel Montembeault, made a very interesting statement today following practice.
During his media availability, the goaltender acknowledged that he put too much pressure on himself at the start of the season.
When things weren't going well, he added even more. He also said that he took on too much blame, and that both his confidence and his morale suffered as a result. That explains a lot.
After 17 games, he has posted a record of 7 wins, 6 losses, and 1 overtime loss. His goals-against average sits at 3.48, with a save percentage of .865.
Samuel Montembeault explains that he put too much pressure on his shoulders early in the season, and it seemed to put him in a kind of vicious cycle
It's also important to put all of this into the context of the past few weeks.
On December 16, the Canadiens announced that he had been assigned to the Laval Rocket on a conditioning stint. The goal was clear: to regain his bearings and reset. It appears to have worked. Since his return, the results have followed, and they are tangible.
The Canadiens notably won 3-2 in overtime against the Panthers, with Montembeault making 28 saves. Montreal also defeated the Stars 4-3 in overtime, and he finished that game with 24 saves.
What Montembeault described on Tuesday is a spiral that many athletes experience. The more pressure you put on your shoulders, the heavier it becomes. He now says he's happy to be back and to put all of that behind him.
Sam Montembeault today on his Habs season so far:
"I think I was putting a little too much pressure (on myself) at the beginning of the season...When it started going less well, I started putting even more pressure. When I was taking a little too much blame, that's when my confidence and morale wasn't as good. I'm just happy to come back and put that behind me."
- Via HabsOnReddit
"I think I was putting a little too much pressure (on myself) at the beginning of the season...When it started going less well, I started putting even more pressure. When I was taking a little too much blame, that's when my confidence and morale wasn't as good. I'm just happy to come back and put that behind me."
- Via HabsOnReddit
Well done, Samuel!
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Kent Hughes addresses Patrik Laine's return timeline after skating in Brossard
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Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 6 | 1173 ANSWERS Samuel Montembeault reveals the real reason behind his difficult start to the season Can Samuel Montembeault get his season back on Track with the Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 925 | 78.9 % |
| No | 248 | 21.1 % |
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