A first game in Montreal. A first match against the prodigy Connor Bedard. But also a first start for Samuel Montembeault.
• Also read: Sidney Crosby hasn’t forgotten the Oceanic
• Also read: “We don’t try to lose on purpose” – Daniel Brière
• Also read: Connor Bedard fans angry at PK Subban
On the eve of Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks visiting for this local opening, Montembeault had a big smile in the Canadian locker room.
“I have confidence,” he said. I want to harness the energy of the crowd. It will be very loud in the Bell Center for the first game of the season. For me it doesn’t change anything. It’s the same puck I have to block.”
“But I will be playing my first local opening game at the Bell Centre. It’s also against Connor Bedard. I am really looking forward.”
When asked whether he would prefer to play the first start of the season or the first game in front of his fans, Montembeault answered diplomatically.
“I would take both!” But I’m happy to be able to compete in Montreal. I expect an electric atmosphere. There are three good goalkeepers here. I wasn’t upset about not being able to play in Toronto. I saw it as an opportunity to prepare even better for my first game.
RHP’s luck
Montembeault’s locker neighbor at the training complex in Brossard, Rafaël Harvey-Pinard, also radiated joy. When he finishes last season in Montreal, the 24-year-old winger will experience the player presentation with the soft voice of Michel Lacroix for the first time.
Archive photo, Martin Chevalier
“I know it will be a special game,” remarked Harvey-Pinard. I even talked to my family about it. They asked me if I knew that. I’ll be introduced to the Canadian at the opening game at the Bell Centre. It’s a beautiful moment for me. I can’t wait to experience it.”
Even though he has more experience, David Savard was excited about the idea of returning to Montreal.
“I still have butterflies. It’s always nice to play in front of our fans. I always circle this date on my calendar.”
A respect that has to be earned
You don’t have to read the tea leaves to know that Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki will receive a huge show of love from fans at player presentations. Martin St-Louis will remain one of the most popular among those wearing a jacket and tie.
“It’s flattering, but I don’t want to stop there,” St-Louis replied. It’s like everything: respect is earned, not given. I try to earn respect every day.”
Slow down Bedard
In his second NHL game, Bedard defeated Linus Ullmark in a 3-1 loss to the Bruins in Boston. He scored his very first goal in the Bettman circuit.
If relief is possible, Montembeault won’t have the stress of writing his name into the NHL history books as the first masked man to concede a goal against the No. 98 Hawks.
“It’s practically a relief,” Montembeault said, smiling. You don’t want to be the one to score his first goal. You can find yourself everywhere on social media. We have to be careful that he doesn’t score again on Saturday.”
“I’m not going to change my approach against him, but I have to stay patient,” he continued. I’ll be careful not to put my feet down too quickly. If I can’t be on the concrete, I have to stay in front of the puck.
On the blue line, Savard will also be tasked with slowing down Bedard alongside his partner Mike Matheson.
“I can’t wait to see him,” Savard said. It’s always a challenge when you play against a special player. If you’re 18 or older, like Crosby, you have to be careful. They can make plays out of nothing.”
“I’ll get to know him. I’ve seen a lot of his games in the past. He has exceptional talent. He can come into the NHL and make an immediate impact. He’s no different than Crosby or McDavid. But he has to prove that he is good too.