The Canadiens faced elimination after a hard-fought battle, losing 1–0 in overtime. Just two days prior, they had managed to secure a victory against the Ducks, winning 3–2. Yet, as pressure mounted, Montembeault remained in the stands—his presence felt even if he wasn’t on the ice.

Montembeault’s season has been turbulent; he finished with an .873 save percentage over 25 games. This performance raises questions about his future with the Montreal Canadiens, especially considering his contract worth $3.15 million per year. The emergence of rookie Jakub Dobes—who boasts a .916 save percentage through six playoff games—adds to Montembeault’s challenges.

Carey Price’s potential transition into a goaltending coach role signals further changes within the organization. Price, with his Hall of Fame credentials including a Hart Trophy and Vezina Trophy, could influence how goaltending is approached moving forward. Meanwhile, Dobes has secured twenty wins this season over 43 games, making Montembeault’s situation even more precarious.

As Montembeault cheered from the stands, he represented more than just himself; he embodied a spirit of camaraderie and support that is vital in high-stakes playoff scenarios. A player watching his role slip away—seeing a rookie shine—and still choosing to be fully present for his team speaks volumes about character and professionalism.

This current state of affairs matters for both Montembeault and the Canadiens. With their playoff run on the line and uncertainty looming over their goaltending situation, every decision counts. The team finished with an impressive record of 48-24-10, earning 106 points this season and showcasing their potential to compete at high levels.

The future remains uncertain for Montembeault as he navigates this challenging landscape within the organization. As teams assess their rosters post-playoffs, every performance will weigh heavily on decisions regarding contracts and player roles.

The post Samuel Montembeault’s Gesture Shines Amidst Canadiens’ Playoff Struggles appeared first on News Canada.

What does Jakub Dobes’ recent performance mean for the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL? It signifies a remarkable turnaround for the rookie goaltender, who was named the NHL’s first star of the week for the period ending March 29, 2026.

In just one week, Dobes registered three wins in three games, showcasing a stellar .962 save percentage (SV%) and a 1.33 goals against average (GAA). His standout moment came when he established a new career high with 41 saves in a single game against the Carolina Hurricanes, contributing to his impressive record of stopping 100 of the 104 shots he faced last week.

This surge in performance is particularly noteworthy as Dobes has now passed legends Patrick Roy and Carey Price for the most wins in a season by a rookie Canadiens goaltender. With 25 wins, he is now tied for sixth in team history, a significant achievement for a player in his first NHL season.

Dobes’ recent success can be attributed to a change in coaching; his turnaround began when Marco Marciano replaced Eric Raymond as the Canadiens’ goaltending coach. This shift appears to have instilled a sense of control and poise in Dobes, contrasting sharply with the inconsistency that characterized his early season play.

In March alone, Dobes has posted a 7-3 record, with a GAA of 2.21 and a .927 save percentage. His four-game winning streak and five wins in his last six starts highlight his growing confidence and skill in the crease.

As the Canadiens continue their rebuild, Dobes is emerging as a key component to their hopes for future success. His ability to maintain composure and perform under pressure could be pivotal as the team looks to solidify its goaltending situation.

While the future looks bright for Dobes and the Canadiens, uncertainties remain about how he will perform as the season progresses and whether he can maintain this high level of play. Details remain unconfirmed.

The post Dobes: Jakub : The Rookie Goaltender Making Waves in the NHL appeared first on News Canada.

Carey Price, the iconic goaltender for the Montreal Canadiens, recently opened up about his career and future on the Never Offside podcast. After a storied career, Price was forced into retirement due to persistent knee issues, leaving behind a record of 35 wins, 24 losses, and 6 overtime losses, alongside an impressive .918 save percentage in his last season.

During the podcast, Price expressed his admiration for young goaltender Jacob Fowler, whom he endorsed as a promising talent. “Always a Hab. Just a teal one for now,” Price remarked, indicating his ongoing connection to the Canadiens despite his retirement. His willingness to mentor Fowler underscores Price’s commitment to the sport and the next generation of players.

Price’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in 2021. However, the past two seasons have been challenging for the team, as they missed the playoffs in back-to-back years for the first time since 2001. This downturn coincided with Price’s health struggles, which ultimately led to his retirement announcement.

Reflecting on his time in the league, Price shared, “I miss playing, the camaraderie and the pre-game feeling.” His passion for the game remains evident, even as he transitions away from the ice. Observers note that Price’s insights and experiences could greatly benefit young players like Fowler, who are navigating the early stages of their careers.

In a poignant moment during the podcast, Price recalled the moment he realized a trade was imminent, stating, “I knew a trade to another club was coming after my agent reached out the week prior.” This acknowledgment of the business side of hockey highlights the complexities players face, even those with a legacy like Price’s.

Ryan Poehling, a former teammate, also made headlines recently by scoring a hat trick in his NHL debut for the Canadiens. His success serves as a reminder of the talent that continues to emerge from the organization, a legacy that Price hopes to nurture through his mentorship.

As Price steps into this new role, the hockey community watches closely to see how his influence will shape the future of the Canadiens and the NHL at large. While his playing days may be over, his impact on the game is far from finished. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how much time Price will dedicate to mentoring Fowler and others, but his commitment to the sport remains unwavering.

The post Carey Price’s Legacy: A New Chapter Begins appeared first on News Canada.