It’s Shocking: Montreal Canadiens Head Coach Makes a Horrible Decision
In a move that has left fans, analysts, and even players scratching their heads, Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis made a stunning and, some would argue, disastrous decision during last night’s game that may have long-term consequences for the team’s morale and trajectory.
With the Canadiens trailing by a single goal in the third period against the Boston Bruins, Coach St. Louis made the surprising call to bench star goaltender Samuel Montembeault in favor of rookie netminder Jakub Dobeš. The switch came with just under ten minutes left in regulation—a critical point in a high-stakes divisional matchup. The Canadiens were still in the game, and Montembeault, while not at his best, was by no means having a meltdown.
The result? Dobeš, clearly unprepared for the pressure, let in two quick goals within minutes of stepping onto the ice. The Canadiens’ hopes for a comeback vanished, and the final score was a 5–2 loss. Fans at the Bell Centre voiced their displeasure immediately, booing as the third goal went in and continuing their protests long after the final whistle.
A Questionable Call
Montembeault has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent season for the Canadiens. The 27-year-old netminder has posted respectable numbers despite a shaky defense in front of him. Analysts across the league have praised his poise and ability to keep the team in games, even when the odds are stacked against them.
So why make the change?
Coach St. Louis explained in the post-game press conference that he felt a “momentum shift” was needed. “We weren’t getting the energy we needed to push back,” he said. “Sometimes, a bold move can spark a team. Unfortunately, tonight it didn’t work.”
But fans and analysts alike aren’t buying it.
Former Canadiens forward and current TSN analyst Vincent Damphousse didn’t mince words. “You don’t make that switch unless your goalie is clearly struggling. Montembeault wasn’t the problem. The defense was. This wasn’t the time for experiments.”
Locker Room Fallout?
Perhaps more concerning than the loss is the potential damage to the locker room dynamic. Benching your starting goalie in a tight game sends a strong message—and not always a positive one. Goalies thrive on confidence and trust, and Montembeault now may be left wondering if his coach believes in him.
Sources close to the team have suggested that Montembeault was “visibly upset” after the game but chose not to comment publicly. That silence speaks volumes. The relationship between a head coach and his goaltender is crucial, and this decision could introduce unnecessary tension at a critical point in the season.
Fan Backlash
Social media exploded in the aftermath of the game, with hashtags like #FireStLouis and #JusticeForMonty trending in Montreal. Canadiens fans are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in hockey, and they aren’t afraid to speak their minds.
“This isn’t a rebuilding year excuse. We expect better,” tweeted one fan. “Monty kept us alive all season and this is the thanks he gets?”
What’s Next?
The Canadiens are still technically in the hunt for a Wild Card spot, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Another loss like this one could spell the end of their postseason hopes. More importantly, Coach St. Louis will need to repair trust—not just with Montembeault, but with the entire team and the fanbase.
Hockey is a game of tough decisions, but this one might go down as one of the worst in recent Canadiens history. The only thing more shocking than the move itself is the fact that it came from a coach who, until now, seemed to understand the pulse of his locker room and the city he represents.
If there’s one thing Montreal fans demand, it’s accountability—and right now, Martin St. Louis has some explaining to do.