With his third shutout of the season, Montreal Canadiens netminder Sam Montembeault is steadily climbing the NHL’s goalie leaderboard — and the timing couldn’t be better.
The 28-year-old’s 29-save masterclass against the Nashville Predators on Thursday came just over 24 hours after he learned he’d represent Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off this winter.
Despite the honour, Montembeault’s selection hasn’t come without debate. Slotted behind Stanley Cup-winning starters like St. Louis Blues veteran Jordan Binnington and Adin Hill of the Vegas Golen Knights, many have pegged the former waiver claim as Team Canada’s “third goalie.”
One NHL insider even suggested his inclusion may have been politically motivated, citing Hockey Canada’s need for more French Canadian representation.
But Montembeault’s recent form tells a different story — one that makes a strong case for him being the country’s starter.
Even with the Canadiens languishing at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, Montembeault has been a bright spot in Montreal. Through 20 games this season, he’s posted a solid 2.82 goals-against average and .906 save percentage, edging out both Hill and Binnington in that department.
His international experience is also a factor. Montembeault donned the red maple leaf at the 2023 World Championships, where he posted an impressive .939 save percentage and 1.42, ultimately leading Canada to a gold medal.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, half of the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament will be played at the Bell Centre in Montreal, one of hockey’s loudest and most intimidating rinks. If anyone knows how to thrive under that pressure, it’s Montemebault.
With no clear-cut superstar in Canada’s goalie pool, the starting job will likely go to whoever is playing best at the time. If the Bécancour, Quebec, native keeps up his current pace, he could very well be the one between the pipes when the puck drops on February 12.