It’s a snapshot that could define the Canadiens’ season—Samuel Montembeault, arms raised in triumph, surrounded by jubilant teammates under the dazzling lights of T-Mobile Arena. The scoreboard blazes: 4-1, Montreal over Vegas. As the crowd buzzes and cameras flash, Montembeault’s grin tells a story of redemption, resilience, and a goalie who refused to let the noise drown him out. In a city known for big bets, Montreal just cashed in on the performance of a lifetime.

For weeks, the goaltending debate in Montreal has simmered, threatening to boil over with every shaky save or untimely goal. Critics questioned Montembeault’s consistency, fans wondered if the crease would ever truly belong to him, and the pressure mounted with every game. But on this electric night in Las Vegas, Montembeault delivered a statement so loud it echoed from the Strip all the way back to Bell Centre. Twenty-nine saves, countless highlight-reel moments, and a calm that silenced skeptics—Monty didn’t just play well, he played like a man determined to rewrite the narrative.

The game itself was a battle from the opening faceoff. The Golden Knights came hard, testing Montreal’s defense and forcing Montembeault into action early. The first period was a siege, but Montembeault stood tall, flashing his glove on a point-blank chance from Tomas Hertl that seemed destined for the net. It was the kind of save that not only keeps a team alive but injects belief into a locker room. As Zachary Bolduc capitalized at the other end, notching his sixth goal of the season, the Canadiens seized the lead and never looked back.

Momentum built in the second period, with Cole Caufield threading a precise shot past Vegas’s defense and Juraj Slafkovsky sealing the deal with an empty-netter. Even Alexandre Texier got in on the action, registering his first point as a Hab by springing Jake Evans for a breakaway goal. But through it all, the spotlight belonged to Montembeault—a goalie on a mission, erasing doubts with every stop.

The stakes couldn’t have been higher. Montreal, riding a three-game win streak, now sits second in the Atlantic Division with 29 points in 23 games. December looms with a gauntlet of matchups, and the need for reliable goaltending is more urgent than ever. As analyst Mitch Gallo put it, “Sam Montembeault had his best game of the season, and it’s not even close—the timing couldn’t have been better.” One game doesn’t make a season, but this performance reignited the conversation around Montreal’s crease, hinting at a possible turning point.

Montembeault’s only blemish came late, when Mark Stone found space alone in front. Otherwise, Monty was flawless, giving the Canadiens the backbone they’ve been searching for. With Jakub Dobes set to start in Denver, and the Habs already collecting four out of six points on this road trip, the energy in the group is palpable. This isn’t just a win—it’s a statement, a spark, and perhaps the beginning of a new chapter for Samuel Montembeault and the Montreal Canadiens.

Nov 28, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Montréal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault (35) celebrates with team mates after the Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights 4-1 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

The Canadiens leave Vegas with a 4-1 win thanks to Samuel Montembeault, whose performance reignited the debate in goal and shifted the tone around the team.

What a big game from Monty.

The 29-year-old goaltender made 29 saves and quieted a lot of the noise around him after several tough outings. Montreal now sits second in the Atlantic with 29 points in 23 games and have won three straight games.

The first period was a heavy one for Montembeault, but he held strong while the Habs took the lead with Zachary Bolduc’s sixth goal.

The 22-year-old forward now has 6 goals and 12 points in 23 games since joining the team.

Montembeault reignites the conversation with a key performance

The tempo shifted in the second period when Cole Caufield scored with a precise shot. Juraj Slafkovsky then finished the job with an empty-netter.

There was also an interesting moment to note: Alexandre Texier recorded his first point with Montreal by sending Jake Evans on a breakaway for the third goal.

But I really think we need to talk about Montembeault:

Here’s what Mitch Gallo had to say on the subject:

“Sam Montembeault had his best game of the season, and it’s not even close – and the timing couldn’t have been better. Montreal was always going to need big saves to beat a team as good as the Golden Knights, and Montembeault delivered. His nicest stop came in the first period, fully stretched out to rob Tomas Hertl of what looked like a sure goal. He ended up with 29 saves on 30 shots.

The goaltending situation has been heavily debated in Montreal, but the reality is the Habs are going to need both goalies with the absolute gauntlet of games coming in December. Still, it’s only one game. Montembeault will need to string a few of these performances together before anyone can say he’s truly found his game.”

Montembeault allowed only one goal, and it came at the very end on a shot by Mark Stone, who was left completely alone in front of him.

This strong outing from Monty comes at the perfect time, because Jakub Dobes will play Saturday in Denver. The Habs have already collected 4 of 6 points on this trip, and it brings some energy back into the group heading into the weekend.