Canadiens’ Sam Montembeault exits Game 3 with potential injury

Montembeault was seen favoring his hamstring before going to the locker room, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. However, the Canadiens have not released an update at this time.

The Canadiens are making their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2021. Montreal went to the Stanley Cup Final that season. However, they lost in the Final to the Tampa Bay Lightning, who won the second of back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Montreal went on an inspiring run in the 2024-25 season to get to this point. Many did not expect this team to make the postseason. Montembeault is a major reason the Canadiens are in this spot. In his first season as the No. 1 starter, he played to a .902 save percentage in 60 starts.

Moreover, he finished with 2.02 Goals Saved Above Average and 30.79 Goals Saved Above Expected. He ranked third in the NHL in GSAx. Only Winnipeg Jets superstar Connor Hellebuyck and Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Anthony Stolarz stopped more goals than expected.

The Canadiens are certainly hoping Montembeault can return to this series. He is a major reason for this team’s success. Of course, his health is of the utmost concern at this time. Let’s hope he did not suffer a serious injury and this was mainly a precautionary move.