The Montreal Canadiens are navigating familiar turbulent waters as their goaltending situation faces significant challenges during the 2024-25 NHL season. With starter Sam Montembeault struggling to find his form and rookie Jakub Dobes showing early promise followed by recent difficulties, fans and analysts alike are questioning the team's crease stability.
Historical Precedent: Patrick Roy's Early Struggles
Looking back at Canadiens history provides valuable perspective on handling goaltending crises. During the 1985-86 regular season, a young Patrick Roy posted modest numbers with a 3.36 goals-against average and .875 save percentage in 47 appearances. Yet when playoffs arrived, the same goaltender transformed into a powerhouse, recording a .923 save percentage and 1.93 GAA while winning his first Stanley Cup.
The pattern repeated in the 1992-93 season when Roy's regular season performance dipped to a 3.20 GAA and .894 save percentage, generating trade speculation among impatient observers. Come playoff time, he again elevated his game, posting a .929 save percentage and 2.13 GAA en route to another championship.
Montembeault's Track Record and Current Struggles
While no one compares Samuel Montembeault to the legendary St. Patrick, the Quebec native has established a consistent performance level through four seasons with the Canadiens. Before this current difficult campaign, Montembeault recorded save percentages of .891, .901, .903 and .902 - numbers that typically give his team a chance to win nightly.
The root of Montembeault's current struggles may trace back to last spring's playoffs, where he suffered a double groin tear during Game 3 that forced him from the lineup. Though the injury didn't require surgery and he returned for training camp, the psychological recovery often lags behind physical healing. In goaltending, where reactions measured in microseconds determine success, any hesitation can prove costly.
Dobes Enters the Equation
The situation became more complex as rookie Jakub Dobes experienced his own challenges after a strong start to the season. Coach Martin St. Louis has now declared an open competition between the two netminders following Montreal's November 21st game against Washington, where Dobes surrendered six goals including Alexander Ovechkin's late hat-trick goal that sealed the outcome.
Despite recent struggles, the organization knows that somewhere within Montembeault exists the .900 save percentage goaltender who has proven capable at the NHL level. The question becomes whether patience or immediate change better serves the team's interests.
Potential Solutions and Organizational Philosophy
The Canadiens face several options regarding their crease conundrum. They could start Dobes in upcoming matches, recall experienced Kaapo Kahkonen from Laval since Dobes remains waiver-exempt, or take the dramatic step of promoting 20-year-old prospect Jacob Fowler - though rushing a developing goalie on a non-contending team raises legitimate concerns.
Historical evidence suggests that patience with proven performers like Montembeault typically yields better long-term results than reactive changes. The organization's handling of Roy's early inconsistencies ultimately delivered championship banners, reminding current management that regular season struggles don't necessarily predict playoff performance.
As the Canadiens navigate this latest goaltending challenge, the franchise's rich history at the position provides both context and reassurance that crease crises are nothing new - and with measured decision-making, they can be successfully overcome once again.
