In a disappointing turn of events for the Montreal Canadiens, goaltender Samuel Montembeault took responsibility for a tough loss to the New York Rangers. The Canadiens, who had a 2-1 lead going into the third period, saw it slip away as the Rangers scored three quick goals, putting them at a 4-2 disadvantage. Montembeault, acknowledging his role in the defeat, expressed the need to elevate his performance, especially in the crucial third period where he has faced challenges in recent games.
Montembeault’s struggles continued as he allowed four goals on 22 shots in this game, marking the second consecutive match with similar stats. The Rangers capitalized on Matthew Robertson’s first NHL goal, a surprising shot that caught Montembeault off guard. Despite the setbacks, the young goaltender, who had an impressive season last year, remains determined to bounce back and improve his game.
While Montembeault took the blame for the loss, his captain Nick Suzuki and coach Martin St. Louis emphasized the team’s collective responsibility. Suzuki highlighted the need for better support in front of the goalie, acknowledging the challenges faced by the entire team. St. Louis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the team’s need to enhance their defensive play and breakouts to provide a stronger foundation for their netminder.
Defenseman Mike Matheson emerged as a key player for the Canadiens, showcasing his resilience and commitment on the penalty kill. Despite facing adversity, Matheson embraced his role and led his team in ice time, demonstrating his reliability and contribution to the team’s performance. However, a pivotal penalty and subsequent power-play goal shifted the momentum of the game, leading to the Canadiens struggling to regain control and ultimately succumbing to the Rangers.
