Logically, Samuel Montembeault had to trade his number 33 for 35 when he was traded from the Florida Panthers to the Montreal Canadiens via waiver in October 2021, but on Thursday night he finally had Patrick Roy's number.
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“I didn’t see the photos on the board during the national anthem, but it was nice to hear people shouting for this Canadian legend,” Montembeault said after the game. If that doesn’t make you want to play hockey, I don’t know what will… It was nice to experience that at home, especially because my family was there.”
For Montembeault, the goal was to bounce back after allowing eight goals in his last game, a 9-4 loss to the Bruins in Boston last Saturday.
“We always want to bounce back after a bad performance,” said the Habs goalkeeper. I wanted to be solid from the start to help the boys.”
In the Islanders' locker room, Roy also highlighted Montembeault's good performance early in the game.
“Montembeault made some very good saves,” the Islanders head coach admitted.
Monahan, the hero
Forward Sean Monahan, who was named the game's first star, scored two goals and provided an assist in this 4-3 win. He especially made everyone easier by scoring on goal with just over two minutes left in the third period.
“Anytime we can put the puck in the net it feels good, but to score at the end of the game and take the lead is a good feeling,” Monahan reacted after the game. Cole [Caufield] played a good game later on.”
“It was a huge goal for us, the emotions were strong,” said Montembeault. I was really happy when he scored.”
Protect the leadership…
A relief after the Islanders were able to reduce a two-goal deficit during a five-minute major penalty awarded to Brendan Gallagher for his action on Adam Pelech.
“Until we converted the penalty, it was a good third period for us because we didn’t give much with the lead,” Montembeault said.
A line is always easier to protect for the same strength. Before he takes leave of absence during the All-Star break, the Canadian has one last game to play in Pittsburgh on Saturday. It remains to be seen whether Gallagher, who risks a suspension, will take part in the trip.