There are nights at the Bell Centre that seem to transcend hockey—a charged atmosphere, a crowd buzzing with anticipation, and a game that feels like more than just a contest between two teams. Last night was one of those evenings for the Montreal Canadiens. The Flyers were in town, and the stakes felt higher than usual. But as the final buzzer sounded and the ice was cleared, it wasn’t the score that lingered in the minds of fans and analysts alike. Instead, a different kind of drama was unfolding—one that had nothing to do with goals, assists, or penalty minutes.

At the heart of the storm stood Samuel Montembeault, the Quebec-born goaltender whose journey with the Canadiens has been marked by resilience, determination, and the kind of pressure that only comes with playing in one of hockey’s most passionate cities. Yet, on this particular night, something shifted. The crowd’s reaction—raw, unexpected, and, for some, unsettling—became the unlikely center of conversation across Montreal.

What happened in those tense moments after the game? Why did a seasoned analyst feel compelled to speak out, not just about the team’s performance, but about something deeper within the culture of Montreal sports? These questions have sparked a wave of debate, drawing in voices from every corner of the city’s hockey community. And while the details are still emerging, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a story about a tough loss. It’s about the complex relationship between athletes and the fans who cheer—and sometimes jeer—from the stands.

On The Sick Podcast, Anthony Martineau—a name familiar to anyone who follows Canadiens coverage—made an appearance that has since become the talk of social media. Known for his candid insights and unwavering fairness, Martineau didn’t hold back. But what exactly did he say that has everyone buzzing? And why did his words strike such a chord with listeners?

The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. It’s not just about defending a goalie after a rough night. It’s about challenging long-held assumptions, questioning what it means to truly support a team, and asking whether the price of admission really gives fans the right to cross certain lines. Martineau’s reflections, delivered with a mix of passion and frustration, have opened up a wider conversation about respect, empathy, and the pressures faced by those who wear the Canadiens jersey.

But perhaps the most intriguing part of this story is what happened behind closed doors—moments that few witnessed, but which reveal more about the human side of the game than any stat sheet ever could. Why did Montembeault remain in the locker room long after his teammates had left? What was running through his mind as the crowd’s reaction echoed in his memory?

As we dig deeper into this emotional night at the Bell Centre, one thing becomes clear: there’s much more to this story than meets the eye. The events of last night have forced fans, players, and analysts to confront some uncomfortable truths about the culture of sports in Montreal. And as the dust settles, the conversation is only just beginning.

Photo of Samuel Montembeault and Anthony Martineau

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

The Montreal Canadiens had an emotional night against the Flyers, but it’s the crowd’s treatment of Samuel Montembeault that’s sparking the most discussion.

In a very notable appearance on the podcast The Sick Podcast, Anthony Martineau spoke out to defend the Quebec-born goaltender.

You know, I truly think Martineau is one of the best analysts out there. I really appreciate how honest and fair he is in his observations.

He spoke about a problem we see far too often in Montreal: the idea that paying for your ticket gives you the right to be disrespectful.

“We need to stop excusing ourselves with the ‘I paid for my ticket’ line. Since when does spending money give someone the right to be socially inept?”

Laughing at your own goalie in your home arena, no matter his nationality, is disgusting.

I’m sorry, but I had to get that off my chest this morning.

Supporting a team or an athlete isn’t just for when things are going well.”

– Anthony Martineau

He also reminded listeners that Montembeault took 25 minutes before leaving the locker room, because he was really affected by what had happened.

“Why do you think that is? Because he took the loss upon himself.”

– Martineau

For him, it’s completely inconsistent to say a player lacks confidence and then push him even lower when he’s already at his lowest.

Anthony Martineau denounces fan criticism toward Montreal Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault

The discussion with Marinaro then broadened into a larger reflection on sports culture in Montreal and the immense pressure surrounding local athletes. It’s really worth listening to.

I think we sometimes forget that they’re human beings above all.

Montembeault is going through a tough stretch, and the treatment he received at the Bell Centre clearly isn’t helping him bounce back.

In my opinion, this whole situation says more about the crowd than about the goaltender.