Sam Montembeault is BACK between the pipes 🚨 For the first time since December 2nd, Montembeault gets the start as the Montreal Canadiens face the Florida Panthers — and it could be a turning point for the Habs.
On today’s show, Shaun Starr and Marco D’Amico break down what Montembeault’s return means for the Canadiens, how long he might be leaned on, and whether this signals stability (or urgency) in net moving forward. We look at workload, confidence, team defense, and how this impacts the Habs during a crucial stretch of the schedule.
Is Montembeault ready to reclaim the crease? What should fans realistically expect in his return? And how big is this start against a dangerous Panthers team?
👇 Join the conversation:
• Does Montembeault solidify the Habs’ goaltending?
• How many starts should he get going forward?
• Can Montreal steal points vs Florida?
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37 Comments
Marco loves to correct Shaun about minor things lol. Hope it's just a bit of fun for both guys.
Montembeau was always good for a win here and there.
Same old Marchand – cheap shot then pays for it in the box. Justice is sweet!
Lane Hutson is going to finish his career with 80 goals and 1400 assists.
Assuming no trades, when Dach and Newhook come back, Blais and Veleno will sit. Fitting in Laine will be the real question.
Suzuki is listed on Team Canada via the Hockey Canada website for Olympic roster.
Joining the San Jose Sharks centre as newcomers up front are Nick Suzuki of the Montreal Canadiens, Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders and Tom Wilson of the Washington Capitals.
Thanks to both of you .your the Best for all habs hockey .happy new years .
Monty played well. The goal he allowed up high is due to the modern play goal on your knees tactic.
Montreal has the best record in the conference since last Christmas, a little more than a full season. They were #14 a yr ago at Christmas.
We’ll see how it goes over the next few games, but I don’t see Dach or Newhook being more effective than Texier on that line. Especially in the short term with them missing so much time. Unless a definite upgrade becomes available, they’ll mix and match with Slaf continuing to get minutes with those guys at the end of games.
Arber Xhekaj needs to take a suspendable offense against Bard Marchand…he HAS to!
Good analysis re: Monty Marco. Monty played a very strong game, he was the #1 player on the PK, without the big saves he made we don't win that game, though Tarasof stole a couple of goals as well. I only felt bad about the 2nd goal because Monty deserved to win that game and I wasn't thinking we could get 2 in 5 minutes (shouldn't doubt the kids!) plus Monty had played so well.
So, I was right to harp on Suzuki for the month of December. He himself admitted he hasn't played well, while a lot of you looked at the sum of the whole season to say 'stfu" to me.
Oliver Kapanen had really impressed me
The Habs need a full practice on how to NOT hit goalposts and crossbars. 😊
Overall one of our better games of the season. The 1st line was much better, partially due to Texier but mostly due to Suzuki owning the play more and other the Slafs penalty that line dominated again even DemiGod has picked up his board/corner game more. Still want Dach back and on the top line but I'll take this for now. That's 2 very good lines that can go head to head with any other top 2 lines in the NHL. Even Danault's line played well so provided they keep this up we're looking like a top 6 team in the league. Still only 1 small step for Monty, hope he keeps it up.
Monty's big save on Marchand was the turning point. 😊
Given I'm watching this after the Olympic team was named we now know Nick will be at the Olympics. Good for him. I'm not overly worried about him coming back tired, more that he could get hurt but that can happen more in the NHL than in a short tournament of top players that may play touch but not gooning anyone. So good for Suzuki, hope they bring home Gold and that pushes Nick to yet 1 more level. GOO HABS!
Crazy 6 pts separates 1st from 8th in the conf. Guhle return in sight, yeehaw. And HNY All! 🎉
Very Enjoyable. Perfect follow up to whipping FLA last night.
The Canadiens record is 21-12 just like my favorite rush album 2112
what about newhook on the top line when he gets back–can he do it?
I don't disagree that when Guhle is back that Engstrom goes down, its simply the logical move. But by next year we'll be moving on from Carrier and Struble (in some kind of trade), leaving Reinbacher, Engstrom and Xhekaj to fit in to 2 slots (with rotation). Nothing at all wrong with that, at least for half a season to see if Guhle can finally last in this league. And push comes to shove if the right trade comes along any of those 5 could be gone. We have an embarrassment of riches on D, that's a good problem to have.
Happy New Year to you two fine gentleman and all the listeners
The NHL's headshot policy is total BS. In the playoffs last year we got 2 headshots and NO PENALTIES! Last night another head shot by Marchand and NO PENALTY! The NHL are two-faced and apply the rules selectively!
I don’t care what Sam monty does even if they put a brick wall in front of him the guy is not a number one goalie in the NHL , he is a number two minus , and i hope hughes finds a home for him via the trade market , because he flares up the québécois emotions and that means trouble, when they forget the good of the team over nationalism , it’s happened before and it will happen again, the team should come first, don’t forget the team that put him on wavers won the stanley cup two years in a row , enough said ….
Marchand – Suzuki- Wilson 🤭
The Brad Marchand case just indicates how NHL is corrupt. The rules do not apply the same for all.
In other words the NHL doesn't care about player safety.
Monty had a great game, especially with his time and situation. Keep it going!
People have to understand that Arber is not meant to be a top 4, he’s safe, working hard, hitting and plays the role of FAFO, he doesn’t need a lot of time which is another bonus. Anyone that knows hockey knows that 3rd pairs don’t get top line mins
Hi 👋been saying for days, bolduc almost invisibility was hurting our first, against tampa we make 4-3 then 4-4, nick and cole on ice not bolduc, same yesterday . he belongs bottom 6 👍
Wifi is outplaying Struble. And Wifi wil l
step up his physical game come playoff time. No brainer for me who has to go.
They are 100% not shooting enough. They are looking for the perfect play. And though they have the skill to execute that perfect play, they need to be able to switch their strategy when the perfect plan doesn't work
I agree with Marco, the habs will stand pat, i see dach moving back to the first line as a winger,
Really enjoy this show! Keep up the great work!!…and don’t forget to upload to podcast and Spotify immediately after, ok?! 👍..lol
Love your show!! I learn soooo much from your logical, detailed analyses – every show!
Wish Marco didn’t look away as much tho … what are you looking at Marco? Could just listen to podcasts but they’re not as timely 🤪