Tonight marks a pivotal moment for the Montreal Canadiens, as they prepare to face the Ottawa Senators in their final preseason showdown—a game that could set the tone for the entire season ahead.

While fans have been eagerly speculating about lineup choices and last-minute strategies, head coach Martin St-Louis has just made a significant announcement that’s sure to spark conversation and perhaps a little controversy. The decision centers around who will guard the net, and it’s not just about tonight’s result; it’s about the future of the team.

After experimenting with different goaltending options throughout the preseason, St-Louis’s latest move reveals his confidence in one particular player. But is this a calculated risk, a reward for past performance, or a glimpse into the Canadiens’ long-term plans? With contract negotiations looming and the pressure of an entire city’s expectations, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the man chosen to start tonight.

Beneath the surface, this choice may be about more than just stopping pucks—it could redefine roles, shape the team’s chemistry, and even influence the fate of promising prospects waiting in the wings. As the puck drops, one question remains: what does Martin St-Louis know that we don’t?

Canadiens coach Martin St-Louis

Photo credit: Journal de Montreal / NHL

The last preseason game for the Montreal Canadiens is tonight, and head coach Martin St-Louis has just confirmed an important decision regarding the goaltender who will be in net.

After giving Jakub Dobes a chance earlier this week in the game against the Senators, Martin St-Louis announced that it will be the Number 1 goaltender Samuel Montembeault who will defend the net Saturday night against the Ottawa Senators.

Not only will he start the game, St-Louis added that Montembeault will play the entire match.

Samuel Montembeault will have the chance to assert himself against the Ottawa Senators

This choice is far from trivial in my opinion. Entrusting a goalie with a full game in the last preseason matchup often amounts to testing the team’s number one goaltender.

Montembeault will therefore have the opportunity to build confidence and prepare for the big season ahead. Let’s not forget, he is entering the final year of his contract.

As reported by RDS:

“It was expected: Samuel Montembeault will play the entirety of the last preseason game, Saturday night! – RDS

I must admit that while this announcement doesn’t completely surprise fans, it still confirms that Martin St-Louis is doing everything he can to ensure Monty is ready for the first game against Toronto.

In my opinion, it will also be a great chance for him to show that he can handle a heavier workload this year.

We already know that Jakub Dobes will begin the season as the number two goalie. Last year, fans got a glimpse of Cayden Primeau, but his departure now opens the door to a new configuration.

Indeed, the role of the third goalie, so to speak, will very likely be entrusted to young Jacob Fowler, another Canadiens prospect who continues his development in Laval for now but who, in my opinion, will be the future in net for the Canadiens.