Canadiens quick to congratulate Montembeault after overtime win over Senators

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault (35) looks for the puck as Canadiens' Alexandre Carrier (45) defends against Ottawa Senators' Ridly Greig (71) during first period NHL hockey action in Montreal on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi)

Typically, following a goal, the general instinct by the goal scorer’s teammates is to celebrate with the player in question.

However, moments after Alex Newhook’s goal 1:40 into overtime on Saturday that gave the Montreal Canadiens a 4-3 decision over the Ottawa Senators, his fellow teammates hopped off the bench and dispersed to opposite ends of the ice.

While some celebrated with Newhook, others descended upon goaltender Samuel Montembeault to acknowledge his first win in 2½ weeks.

“It was great,” said Montembeault. “A lot of guys came to see me right away after we scored. It was great, too, even in the locker room. Everybody’s so happy for each other.”

“Maybe guys don’t really like me that much,” joked Newhook. “I think it just goes to show how tight we are as a group. We’re tight and we want guys to succeed in here. It was a great night for Monty.”

Montembeault was making his first start since Oct. 23 for the Canadiens after what can best be described as a trying start to the season for the 29-year-old.

After earning wins in two of his first three starts this season, the Becancour, Que., native dropped back-to-back starts against the New York Rangers on Oct. 18 and another five nights later in Edmonton against the Oilers.

The Canadiens led 5-3 early in the third period, only to see the Oilers score three unanswered goals on their way to a 6-5 regulation loss.

This paved the way for rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes to start the next two games as the Czech goalie ran his record to a perfect 6-0 on the season.

“Obviously, sometimes, when you have a bad game, you wish you could go in right away and put it behind you faster,” said Montembeault. “There were three games where it wasn’t going really well. You’ve got to take the positive out of that. It gave me a full week and a couple practices to work with my goalie coach.”

“First and foremost, with Monty, I think he’s a team guy,” added Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis. “I think he understood why Dobes got the net, but he also stuck to his process during that time. He was very focused and driven to do the actions.”

Despite his early-season woes, St. Louis has made it clear he has not lost any confidence whatsoever in his starting netminder.

In fact, St. Louis made sure to notify Montembeault that he would be starting against the Senators immediately upon the team’s arrival in Montreal Wednesday from its four-game road trip.

This runs contrary to typical team protocol, which sees the next game’s starter only told of the coach’s decision the day before.

“I gave him his space, but I was very direct,” said St. Louis. “‘Monty, you’re playing.’ He knew that when we landed from Seattle. ‘You’re playing the next game.’”

Despite giving up three goals on just 17 shots against the Senators Saturday, both goaltender and coach are hopeful this win can serve as a stepping-stone toward even greater heights for Montembeault.

“It’s definitely a win that feels good,” said Montembeault. “Statistically, I’m not exactly where I want to be. Technically, though, I felt better tonight. I was moving much better.”

“I think for him getting a big win like this on a Saturday night, that helps,” said St. Louis. “I don’t know how he actually feels right now. I’m just happy he got a win here on a Saturday night. That should help us keep going.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 1, 2025.