Montembeault Out 10-14 Days With Lower-Body Injury
Canadiens goalie Samuel Montembeault is expected to miss 10 to 14 days because of a lower-body injury. He was hurt during Wednesday's practice, and rookie Jacob Fowler started Thursday's 5-2 loss to Nashville after being recalled. Montreal has surrendered at least five goals in three consecutive games, with Jakub Dobes posting an .857 save percentage and 4.44 goals-against average early on.
Montembeault was injured Wednesday at practice after an awkward twist while handling a rebound, forcing him off the ice quickly. Montreal recalled Fowler from Laval that day. Fowler then started Thursday against Nashville, saving 15 of 18 shots in a 5-2 home defeat.
The Canadiens have now conceded five or more goals in three straight games. Dobes began the first four contests and owns an .857 save percentage and 4.44 goals-against average. Montembeault went 10-8-4 with an .872 save percentage last season and lost the starting role to Dobes. His projected return could come around Oct. 20 versus San Jose or Oct. 23 versus Chicago.
This injury may affect Montreal’s goaltending depth, giving Fowler and Dobes added responsibility. Fans and teammates could see short-term performance swings, while Montembeault’s contract year may shape his future. More broadly, such injuries can remind audiences of the physical risks athletes face and how quickly opportunities shift for backups.