Canadiens HC Martin St. Louis' big decision was the right call against the Senators

The Montreal Canadiens do not have a defined starting goaltender position. Jakub Dobes started the season with good numbers, while Samuel Montembeault has lost ground as the No. 1 goaltender.

Montreal defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-3 on Saturday in a game in which head coach Martin St. Louis decided to line up Montembeault, 29, as the starter.

The goalie did not have his best game, but he felt it was a step in the right direction.

"It’s a win that makes me feel good. From a statistical standpoint, it may not be top with three on 17 [goals on shots], but I feel like, technically, I felt better tonight," Montembeault said, via The Hockey News.

"I was moving much better, and on direct shots, face-to-face, I made good-quality stops. So as I said, statistically it might not have been the best, but I think it’s a step in the right direction."

Samuel Montembeault's performance is pivotal for the Canadiens

It is crucial for Montreal that Montembeault returns to his best level soon. It would directly benefit the team's young core. Furthermore, a consistent goalie would turn a good team into a true contender.

If Dobes, 24, consolidates himself without a push from the 29-year-old Canadian, the hierarchy could crystallize. Having both at a high level would open healthy competition and allow for better load management in such a compressed calendar.

Montembeault must have double the motivation to play his best. One is the playoffs, and the other is being called up by Canada for international tournaments. The player's resilience narrative will need statistical backing.

To achieve it, the goaltender will have to assume immediate techniques such as tracking in traffic, lateral rebound control, post-to-post timing and patience in rushes.

It is also key for the team to have the Canadian at his best level. A solid goalie gives calm to the defense, and it allows Dobes to continue developing without the pressure of having to deliver elite results immediately.