In the world of professional hockey, few positions carry as much weight—and as much drama—as the goaltender. For the Montreal Canadiens, the question of who stands between the pipes has become one of the most hotly debated topics of the season, and fans are watching every move with bated breath. Just weeks ago, head coach Martin St-Louis made headlines with his unwavering support for Samuel Montembeault, declaring him the team’s undisputed number-one goalie. But as the season has unfolded, the narrative has taken an unexpected turn, leaving the fate of the Canadiens’ crease shrouded in uncertainty.

It all started with a bold statement from St-Louis, who insisted that a successful team needs a workhorse in net—a goalie who can shoulder the load and provide stability night in and night out. Montembeault, despite a rocky start, was anointed as that man. The message was clear: Montreal would not be splitting duties equally, but rather building their defensive backbone around a single, trusted netminder. The plan seemed set in stone, and for a moment, the Canadiens appeared to have found their answer.

But hockey is a game of momentum, and fortunes can change in an instant. After a string of tough outings, including a particularly rough night against the Washington Capitals that saw Montembeault pulled after allowing three goals on just ten shots, the confidence that once surrounded Montreal’s goalie situation began to waver. Meanwhile, Jakub Dobes quietly built a case of his own, posting solid numbers and racking up wins in his starts. The stage was set for a dramatic shift—one that few could have predicted when the season began.

In a recent press conference, St-Louis dropped a bombshell that has sent ripples through the Canadiens’ fanbase and the wider NHL community. No longer was Montembeault the clear-cut number one. Instead, St-Louis confirmed that the competition for the top spot in net is now wide open, with both Montembeault and Dobes vying for the role. “I believe we’ve reached that point,” St-Louis admitted, acknowledging that both goaltenders are now being evaluated on a game-by-game basis. The implication? The future of Montreal’s crease is far from settled, and every start could tip the scales.

The numbers tell a story of their own. In 12 starts, Montembeault has managed just 4 wins, with a save percentage of .852 and a goals-against average of 3.71—figures that fall short of expectations for a number-one goalie. Dobes, on the other hand, boasts 6 wins in 10 starts, a .892 save percentage, and a 2.96 goals-against average. The statistical battle is heating up, and with the Canadiens’ next game looming against the struggling Maple Leafs, the question of who will get the nod in net has never been more pressing.

As the tension builds and the stakes rise, one thing is certain: the Canadiens’ goaltending situation is entering uncharted territory. Will Montembeault reclaim his spot, or will Dobes seize the opportunity and rewrite the script? The answer is far from clear, and the drama is only just beginning. To find out what comes next, you’ll have to keep reading.

Nov 20, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Sam Montembeault (35) is pulled from the game during the second period against the Washington Capitals at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Early in the season, head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, Martin St-Louis, made a big statement regarding goaltender Samuel Montembeault.

Despite his struggles after a few games, St-Louis had said that he believed a team needed to have a true number-one goaltender capable of taking on the bulk of the workload, and he had confirmed that this goaltender, for his team, was clearly Samuel Montembeault.

In other words, St-Louis indicated he preferred having a true number-one rather than a shared system where both play equally.

He had planned to give most of the games to Montembeault and make him the number one goalie.

The exact statement is also right here:

“I believe you need to have a goaltender capable of taking on the bulk of the workload, and I think that goaltender is Montembeault. We’re currently working in that direction.”

– Martin St-Louis via Anthony Martineau

That said, his approach appears to have shifted since then.

Martin St-Louis changes his mind regarding his use of Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes

Here’s what he just said in a press conference, when asked when the time would finally come to open a real competition between the two goaltenders (for the number-one job).

“I believe we’ve reached that point.

I believe both goaltenders are getting their starts right now and we will continue to evaluate that, but I expect both goaltenders to make our decisions difficult.”

– Martin St-Louis

It’s quite a change in tone!

This strongly suggests Montembeault is no longer treated as the clear number-one goaltender, and the competition is now open between the two Canadiens goalies!

A situation to follow over the next few games!

Monty had another rough game and was pulled against the Capitals after allowing three goals on ten shots. Dobes also struggled, and the Canadiens ultimately lost 8-4 on home ice.

In 12 starts, Montembeault has 4 wins, a .852 save percentage, and a 3.71 goals-against average.

By comparison, Dobes has 6 wins in 10 starts with a .892 save percentage and a 2.96 goals-against average.

The Canadiens’ next game is Saturday night against the struggling Maple Leafs, and it will be interesting to see who gets the start in net.