Samuel Montembeault has made all the starts at the Bell Centre this season.

Last night, Cayden Primeau won his game in the AHL. Things are going well for the Laval Rocket’s goalie (better than Logan Mailloux, let’s say) since he was sent down – and that’s a good thing for him.

In three games, he has three wins. And without him yesterday, the Penguins would have won. Even though he gave up three goals quickly, he closed the door and opened the door to a big comeback.

It’s good if he can regain confidence down there. Because for now, it’s the most effective way for him to prepare for a potential return to the NHL – in Montreal or elsewhere.

But there’s something we need to note on the side of his victory yesterday. Did you know that this season, it’s only the second time Primeau started a home game?

The other time? It was… on January 3, also in Laval.

This season, Primeau (who was in the NHL until the holidays) has not started a single game at the Bell Centre. He has played four times at home, but each time, it was in relief of Samuel Montembeault.

It was never under optimal conditions, then.

(Credit: ESPN)

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And because Jakub Dobes’ three starts with the Habs took place on the road, we can easily conclude that Samuel Montembeault has started all the Canadiens’ games at the Bell Centre this year. Anthony Marcotte discussed it on the radio (BPM Sports) this morning.

It was anecdotal when we talked about Martin Brodeur in New Jersey during his big years, but it’s news in 2024-2025 for the Habs. Especially when we know that Samuel Montembeault is not the best #1 goalie in the NHL – with all due respect for his great season.

Of course, even if it means the Habs believe in Monty, it reflects the lack of confidence the Habs had in Primeau. That said, with Jakub Dobes, things have changed.

Whether he plays tonight in Dallas (I believe he will play), we should expect to see the newcomer get one of the home games this weekend. In my eyes, Sunday’s game belongs to him.

(Credit: NHL.com)

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I expect to see Dobes play on Sunday in New York, next Thursday in Detroit, and one of the last two games (January 28 or 30) of the month before the end of the month. Of those, it would make two home games.

And just before the break for the Four Nations Cup, there will be a back-to-back at home on February 8 and 9. #SuperBowl

If Dobes continues to give the Canadiens chances to win every time he is in net, it is clear that with the schedule as it is, he is not only Montembeault playing at home.

And that’s perfectly fine.

The three goalies who have played in Montreal have things to prove by the end of the season. Monty will want to keep his #1 spot with the young ones pushing, Dobes will want to stay in the NHL, and Primeau will want to prove he is not done playing in the best league in the world.

And with Jacob Fowler coming in, it’s clear that everyone needs to keep an eye on each other.

In Brief

– Jared Davidson did well yesterday. Interesting…

– What does that mean for the Blue Jays?

– Excellent.