Canadiens Goalie Montembeault Could See Playoff Action, Friedman Says

Veteran hockey insider Elliotte Friedman suggests Montreal may turn to third-string netminder if needed during postseason run.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:40pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a hockey goaltender making a save, with sharp planes of navy blue, crimson red, and white representing the intense action and emotion of the playoffs.A cubist interpretation of a goaltender's heroic save, reflecting the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey.San Jose Today

Ahead of the Canadiens' first-round playoff matchup against the Lightning, veteran hockey analyst Elliotte Friedman has suggested that Montreal could turn to third-string goaltender Samuel Montembeault if starting netminder Jakub Dobes struggles or gets injured during the team's postseason run. Friedman noted that while Dobes is expected to be the clear starter for Game 1, the Canadiens have the option to use multiple goalies, including potentially Montembeault, if the situation calls for it.

Why it matters

The Canadiens' goaltending situation is a key storyline heading into the playoffs, as they face a formidable opponent in the Lightning. Friedman's comments suggest the Canadiens may have more flexibility in net than initially expected, which could be crucial if injuries or poor performance become an issue for the team during a deep playoff run.

The details

Friedman noted that while it's unlikely Montembeault would see action early in the series, the Canadiens' third-string goalie could be called upon if Dobes struggles or gets hurt. This is in contrast to the Lightning, who are expected to ride star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy throughout the playoffs barring any unforeseen circumstances. The Canadiens have the option to turn to Jacob Fowler, who has been with the team's AHL affiliate in Laval, but Friedman believes Montembeault may be the more likely choice if the Canadiens need to go to their third-string netminder.

  • The Canadiens and Lightning will face off in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Samuel Montembeault

The Canadiens' third-string goaltender who started the playoffs last season before getting injured.

Jakub Dobes

The Canadiens' starting goaltender for the playoffs, who took over the starting role from Montembeault last season.

Andrei Vasilevskiy

The Lightning's star goaltender and expected starter for the playoffs.

Jacob Fowler

A goaltender with the Canadiens' AHL affiliate in Laval who could also be an option for the team if needed during the playoffs.

Martin St-Louis

The Canadiens' head coach who will have to make decisions about his goaltending during the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not saying it's likely—and I certainly'm not saying it will happen early in the series—for the Habs, but I wouldn't be 100% surprised if Jacob Fowler were to see some action.”

— Elliotte Friedman, Hockey Analyst

“But what would surprise me more is if Samuel Montembeault were to play.”

— Elliotte Friedman, Hockey Analyst

“It's obviously a short leap to conclude that the third goalie would be Samuel Montembeault. I don't think the insider was referring to Kaap Kahkonen, let's be clear.”

— Elliotte Friedman, Hockey Analyst

What’s next

The Canadiens and Lightning will face off in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Sunday, April 17, 2026, with Jakub Dobes and Andrei Vasilevskiy expected to be the starting goaltenders. However, if Dobes struggles or gets injured, the Canadiens could turn to Samuel Montembeault or Jacob Fowler as the series progresses.

The takeaway

The Canadiens' goaltending situation is a key storyline heading into the playoffs, as they have the option to potentially use multiple netminders if needed, including third-string goalie Samuel Montembeault. This flexibility could be crucial if injuries or poor performance become an issue for the team during a deep playoff run against a formidable opponent like the Lightning.