The final whistle hadn’t even finished echoing through the Bell Centre when a single, unforgettable image began to circulate—Alex Carrier, head bowed, visor fogged, skating slowly toward the bench as the scoreboard burned with reminders of a wild night. The Montreal Canadiens had just clawed their way back from the brink, fighting off the Utah Mammoth in a game that tested every ounce of their resolve. But beneath the surface of celebration, a storm was brewing. For one defenseman, the night would be remembered not for triumph, but for the scrutiny that followed.

While Nick Suzuki and Ivan Demidov’s late-game heroics had fans on their feet, the conversation in the corridors and on social media was shifting rapidly. In the center of it all stood Carrier, whose repeated mistakes had transformed a comfortable 2-0 lead into a tense, desperate battle for survival. Cameras caught him in the aftermath—shoulders slumped, eyes searching the ice for answers, while teammates huddled around the crease, sharing exhausted high-fives. It was a moment that seemed to freeze the entire arena, leaving everyone wondering what had just happened.

The reactions were immediate and fierce. Analysts like Mitch Gallo didn’t mince words, calling it “a night to forget” and pointing out Carrier’s costly delay-of-game penalty and lost coverage on not one, but two Utah goals. “Three goals against, and he was partly to blame on all three,” Gallo summarized, his tone more concerned than critical. But the scrutiny didn’t stop there. Fans like William Leblanc took to social media with even sharper commentary, questioning whether Carrier deserved his spot in the lineup at all.

As the criticism mounted, so did the debate over Montreal’s defensive depth—a conversation that had been simmering for weeks, now boiling over in the wake of Carrier’s performance. For some, this was just the latest chapter in a season marked by inconsistency and frustration. For others, it was a turning point, a moment that demanded action from the coaching staff and management. The image of Carrier alone on the bench, separated from the postgame celebrations, became a symbol of the pressure facing every player in a packed schedule where mistakes are magnified and patience wears thin.

What happens next is anyone’s guess. The Canadiens have invested heavily in their defense, with young players pushing for ice time and veterans expected to provide stability. But after a night like this, questions swirl about whether trust in Carrier should remain unwavering. Is it time for a shakeup? Should the coaching staff send a message, or will they double down on their belief in his potential? The answers are elusive, hidden behind closed doors and whispered in locker room corners.

For now, the spotlight remains fixed on Carrier, whose every shift will be watched more closely than ever. The stakes are high, and the margin for error is shrinking. As Montreal prepares for its next challenge, fans and analysts alike are left with a single, haunting image—a defenseman caught between expectation and reality, fighting to prove he belongs. What unfolds in the coming games could redefine not only Carrier’s role, but the fate of the Canadiens’ season.

Stay tuned. The story is far from over.

Montreal Canadiens vs Utah Mammoth

Photo credit: All Montreal Hockey / NHL

On a night when several Canadiens players found ways to help the team, Alex Carrier’s repeated mistakes became a real topic of discussion.

The Canadiens saw a 2-0 lead slip away quickly and had to push hard to battle back for the win, and one player in particular is now taking a lot of heat.

Yikes… the reactions came quickly after the game, especially when some analysts pointed to the performance of defenseman Alex Carrier. Several observers noted that Carrier had one of his worst games since arriving in Montreal, which immediately fueled the conversation.

According to Mitch Gallo, the night was particularly difficult. In a rather direct summary, he states:

“Alex Carrier had a night to forget. He took a delay-of-game penalty where he simply needs to make a better play, and he lost his coverage on two of Utah’s goals. Three goals against, and he was partly to blame on all three.” – Gallo

He then adds that despite the coaching staff’s confidence in him, he should not be untouchable:

“The coaching staff likes Carrier a lot and gives him plenty of rope, but should his spot in the lineup never be in question? After a game like this one, I’m not so sure…”

– Mitch Gallo

Another comment, this time from a widely followed fan, is even more direct. On social media, one can read:

“Can we talk about how Alex Carrier has been awful this season.”

– William Leblanc

The criticism has been piling up for several weeks and shows that patience around Carrier is starting to wear thin.

A performance that reignites the debate over defensive depth

For some, this game is not an exception but rather a continuation of a difficult start to the season. The question now becomes fairly simple for many fans.

I admit that I understand why people are asking if he still deserves a stable role in the lineup. It’s sad to say, but in an already packed schedule and with young defensemen pushing hard, every mistake becomes even more significant.

Management must now decide whether to continue putting their trust in Carrier or send him a more direct message. One thing is certain: this isn’t over, and the next games will reveal a lot.

In my opinion, things could get even more tense if it doesn’t improve quickly.