Brashna Kasi
The Montreal Canadiens have kicked off their 2024-25 NHL season, leaving fans buzzing with hope and a hint of uncertainty. After an exciting season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs, where goalie Sam Montembeault showcased his skills with 48 saves in a 1-0 victory, questions linger about the team’s goaltending and overall performance.
Montembeault’s Stellar Performance
In the thrilling game against Toronto, Montembeault’s performance was nothing short of impressive. Ironically, it wasn’t even his career-best. He had previously made 48 saves in a similar game against the Dallas Stars and achieved a career-high of 49 saves during a loss to the Vegas Golden Knights in January 2022. This raises an interesting question: Can Montembeault be relied upon to deliver these high-caliber performances consistently?
Despite his talent, critics still view Montembeault as an average goalie, especially alongside Cayden Primeau, another keeper in the Canadiens’ lineup. While Montembeault showed he can rise to the occasion, there are concerns about whether he can maintain this level of excellence throughout a demanding season.
The Balance of Goals and Defense
In the subsequent game against the Boston Bruins, the Canadiens displayed a mix of promise and challenge. They managed to score four goals from three different lines, indicating a potential for offensive success. However, they also allowed 29 shots on goal, falling to the Bruins with a score of 6-4. Primeau, who was in net for this game, took the loss, raising further questions about the Canadiens’ goaltending duo.
Key Takeaways from the Opening Games:
- Sam Montembeault showed he can perform under pressure but is not a consistently elite goalie.
- The Canadiens scored a solid four goals against the Bruins but still suffered a loss.
- Cayden Primeau has yet to prove he can shoulder the goaltending responsibilities effectively.
The Canadiens have historically learned that without a strong defense and consistent scoring, even the best goaltending cannot guarantee success. As noted during the Carey Price years, there must be a balance to achieve any meaningful results this season.
Challenges Ahead
The Canadiens are still learning how to define success after ending last season in fifth place from last. Despite their struggles, they made a splash in the offseason by acquiring superstar forward Patrik Laine. Laine’s skills could be a game-changer, but his injury raises concerns about how effectively he can contribute early in the season.
Head coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the importance of resilience in a post-game interview. After the loss to the Bruins, he stated, “This is a team that was waiting for this game.” It is clear that the Canadiens must find better ways to compete against elite teams, especially since they face rivals like the Ottawa Senators soon, who are also in a rebuilding phase.
Looking Forward
As the Canadiens prepare for their next matchup against Ottawa on October 12, they are aiming for improvement across the board. Here are some areas to focus on:
- Skating and puck control to minimize turnovers.
- Improving defensive strategies to limit shots on goal.
- Establishing more consistent scoring opportunities for forwards, especially with Laine in the lineup.
While a win against the Senators isn’t absolutely necessary, a complete effort is crucial. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the Canadiens respond after two contrasting performances.
Conclusion
The Montreal Canadiens are stepping into the new NHL season with a blend of enthusiasm and uncertainty. With standout performances from players like Sam Montembeault and new signing Patrik Laine, there are glimmers of hope. However, the balance between goaltending, defense, and scoring must be mastered for the team to thrive in a competitive league. How they handle these challenges will be pivotal for their journey this season
