Something big might be happening between the pipes in Montreal — and it’s not just another routine coaching decision. As the Canadiens prepare to face the Ottawa Senators this Saturday at the Bell Centre, one burning question has every fan in the city on edge: who will start in goal — Jakub Dobes or Samuel Montembeault?

On paper, it sounds like a simple choice. But according to Pierre McGuire, who recently joined Tony Marinaro on The Sick Podcast, the decision might reveal far more about where this team is heading than anyone realizes. McGuire hinted at a strategic twist, one that could define the Canadiens’ momentum as they head deeper into the season.

After an impressive Western road trip that saw Montreal collect six of a possible eight points, the team has earned a few well-deserved days off. Still, beneath that calm exterior, the debate over goaltending is heating up fast. Dobes has been nothing short of spectacular — undefeated in six starts, composed, and playing with the confidence of a veteran. But on the other hand, Samuel Montembeault, the hometown favorite and last year’s hero, has struggled to find his rhythm. Fans remember how he carried this team through stretches last season, and many believe he just needs the right moment to rise again.

McGuire’s comments have only added fuel to the fire. He suggested that the decision for Saturday’s starter will depend entirely on how Dobes feels physically and mentally after his last outing against Seattle. That single detail may sound small, but it opens the door to something much bigger — a sign that Coach Martin St-Louis might be weighing more than just performance stats. Is he managing fatigue? Confidence? Or perhaps sending a message to both goalies that nothing is guaranteed in this new-look Canadiens roster?

Meanwhile, whispers from inside the organization suggest that Montembeault could be getting another chance — a calculated opportunity to reset his season in front of a supportive home crowd. It would be a bold call, one that balances logic with loyalty, and risk with reward. After all, as St-Louis himself recently said, “Sam is a good goalie. Without him, we wouldn’t have been where we were last year.”

The stakes are high. Saturday’s matchup isn’t just about points in the standings — it’s about trust, leadership, and timing. Should the Canadiens ride the hot hand with Dobes, or bet on Montembeault’s redemption arc to strengthen the long game?

One thing’s for sure: whatever decision the coaching staff makes will send a clear message about Montreal’s future between the pipes. And with both goalies eager to prove themselves, fans might be witnessing the quiet beginning of a rivalry — or a partnership — that could shape the Canadiens’ entire season.

The answer could come sooner than anyone expects… but is Montreal ready for what it means?

Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes, Ottawa Senators logo

Photo credit: All Habs / NHL

Pierre McGuire just revealed what he believes is the Canadiens’ plan for Saturday’s game – and it involves a key decision in goal against the Ottawa Senators.

During his appearance on the Sick Podcast hosted by Tony Marinaro, McGuire shared his insight into how Montreal might handle its goaltending situation this weekend.

The Canadiens have a few well-deserved days off this week after a big Western road trip. It was a very positive one, with six points collected out of a possible eight.

The main topic remains the starting goaltender, as Dobes is playing inspired hockey while Monty, for his part, has been struggling quite a bit since the start of the season…

Well, according to Pierre McGuire, the plan should be simple heading into Saturday night’s game against Ottawa.

According to him, the decision will depend directly on how Jakub Dobes feels after his last game against Seattle.

Should Jakub Dobes play on Saturday vs Sens?

Pierre McGuire: “If Dobes tells me he’s good and the goalie coach tells me Dobes is good, might go back to Dobes on Saturday”

Here’s the clip:

Samuel Montembeault Also Deserves His Chance Against the Ottawa Senators

Logic would suggest that Martin St-Louis reward Dobes’ perfect streak – unbeaten in six starts – but in my opinion, there’s another way to look at it.

I believe it’s time to give the net back to Samuel Montembeault.

The Quebec native had a difficult start to the season, but to regain his confidence, he absolutely needs to play again – and in a favorable situation.

A home game against Ottawa could truly be the perfect opportunity for him to bounce back.

Yes, Dobes is on fire, but long-term management also matters. The 82-game season (soon to be 84, something we’ll all need to get used to) demands balance, and the Canadiens will need both goalies to keep up the pace.

Let’s recall what St-Louis said about Montembeault the other day:

“Sam is a good goalie. He proved it with everything he did last year. Without Sam, we’re not there last year. When I was a player, I had starts like that and when I had those starts, it’s not like I forgot how to play hockey. Sam will be a big part of our success this year. I’m not worried”

– Martin St-Louis, via Chris G

I truly believe that if Montembeault regains his rhythm, the Canadiens could have one of the best goaltending duos in the entire NHL.