"Montembault completely lost us this game": Habs fans blame $9,450,000 Montreal Canadiens goaltender after 7-3 meltdown loss to Toronto Maple Leafs

By ARJUN B

Modified Jan 19, 2025 05:06 GMT

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The Montreal Canadiens' 7-3 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night at the Bell Centre has left Habs fans frustrated and disappointed, with many placing the blame on goaltender, Sam Montembeault.

Montembeault, who is signed to a 3-year, $9,450,000 contract, allowed six goals on 33 shots in the loss. The Canadiens blew a 3-0 lead in the first period, allowing the Maple Leafs to score seven unanswered goals to complete the comeback victory.

Fans have taken to social media to voice their criticism of Montembeault's performance, with one fan stating:

"I usually hate to blame the goalies. That being said, Montembeault COMPLETELY lost us this game it's not even funny."

Another fan wrote:

"Monty kept on letting the net wide open... He should have been changed after 4 goals."

Here are some fan reactions:

"This is who he is. He's a below average goalie at best. If the Habs don't make the playoffs, he'll be to blame," one fan wrote.

"If MSL does not hold Monty accountable I will have no words." another fan wrote.

"Tough lesson here…can’t get away from what was making you successful. Got goalied & a couple posts changed the momentum of the game. Just couldn’t recover. Let’s see how we respond tomorrow!" a user commented.

"This is the most disgraceful performance i’ve ever seen since i’ve been a fan." another fan wrote.

Auston Matthews, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Bobby McMann, David Kampf, Steven Lorentz, William Nylander, and Nicholas Robertson scored for the Leafs. Joseph Woll stopped 32 shots. Patrik Laine, Josh Anderson, and Kirby Dach scored for the Canadiens.

Montreal Canadiens HC Martin St-Louis on 7-3 loss to Toronto Maple Leafs

Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St-Louis spoke about his team's disappointing 7-3 loss to the Leafs. St-Louis mentioned he didn't think the Canadiens have been in many situations where they gave up three goal lead.

"I felt we did plenty of things early in that second to be up more than 3 and unfortunately, we didn't.

“They get two big goals in that second period and now it's a game. I felt comfortable going into the third period up a goal...And then, penalties after they got the momentum. We had a tough time to get it back, but I felt we got some back we just couldn't score."

Next, the Montreal Canadiens will face the New York Rangers on Sunday at Centre Bell.