Montembeault Sets New NHL Record for Saves in Season-Opener
Summary:
- Sam Montembeault made 48 saves in the Canadiens’ season opener against the Maple Leafs.
- The record number of saves contributed to his team’s victory, with help from Cole Caufield’s goal at 7:48.
- On Thursday, Canadiens will face the Bruins
Sam Montembeault’s stellar performance helped the Montreal Canadiens defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 1-0 on Wednesday night in the NHL season opener for both teams.
Montembeault, who made an incredible 48 saves, set a new NHL record for saves in a season-opening shutout.
The only goal of the game came in the first period when Cole Caufield capitalized on a power play opportunity at 7:48.
Reflecting on his record-breaking night, Montembeault said,
Going into the Bell Centre, first game of the season, you want to do well. Big crowd and everybody was excited for this game — but I just turned those nerves into energy. And it went well.
A crucial moment came midway through the second period when Montembeault made a remarkable glove save on a one-timer from Auston Matthews, the league’s top goal-scorer last season with 69 goals.
Matthews said after the game,
We did more than enough to score more than one goal tonight. That didn’t happen.
Converting Power Play
The only goal of the night was capitalized on a power play opportunity when Cole Caufield, combining with Juraj Slafkovsky and Kirby Dach, finished a slick tic-tac-toe passing sequence to give Montreal the early lead.
This was a significant moment for the Canadiens, as they managed to go 1 for 5 on the power play after going 0 for 30 in the preseason.
Caufield’s goal marked his third consecutive season opener in which he has scored against Toronto.
The 23-year-old also recorded his 150th career point in his 206th game, becoming the fastest Canadiens player to reach that milestone since Saku Koivu in the 1997-98 season.
Toronto’s goaltender, Anthony Stolarz, stepped in for Joseph Woll, who was scratched from the lineup due to “lower-body tightness”, according to coach Craig Berube.
Stolarz made 26 saves in his unexpected start.
Berube, who was leading Toronto for his first regular-season game as head coach, remarked,
You almost get 50 shots on net and you don’t get a goal — their goalie played well.
Despite the offensive pressure from Toronto, Montembeault stood strong in the net.
Maple Leafs Missed all Scoring Opportunities
The Canadiens showed resilience, while the Maple Leafs struggled to stay disciplined, racking up five minor penalties in the first two periods.
Toronto’s power play woes continued as they failed to score on all four opportunities. They were also unlucky, hitting the post three times in the second period.
A crucial moment came midway through the second period when Montembeault made a remarkable glove save on a one-timer from Auston Matthews, the league’s top goal-scorer last season with 69 goals.
Matthews said after the game,
We did more than enough to score more than one goal tonight. That didn’t happen.
Both teams will return to action Thursday night, with Montreal facing the Boston Bruins and Toronto taking on the New Jersey Devils.