The Four Nations Faceoff is quickly approaching, and the rosters will come out in less than a month. One of the most intriguing roster questions is who Team Canada will have in between the pipes. The United States looks set with Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger, but the days of Carey Price, Roberto Luongo, and Martin Brodeur for Canada are long gone. Sam Montembeault is one goalie whose name is in discussions at the start of the season.
The start of Montembeault's season was unbelievable, with one goal allowed on his first 73 shots. He then went nine consecutive appearances where he allowed two or more goals, with the two-goal outing happening just twice. Montembeault's Team Canada chances were slowly slipping away, but his performances over the last three games could get his name back on the radar.
Montembeault allowed two goals on 27 shots against the Minnesota Wild last Thursday, but the offense didn't show up in the 3-0 loss. He had another big game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Saturday, allowing one goal on 26 shots. Montembeault saved his best for last in Monday night's victory over the Edmonton Oilers, recording a 30-save shutout. Montembeault's ability to shut down two of the game's most lethal scorers could turn some heads in the Canada front office.
Montembeault sits third amongst Canadian goaltenders with a .906 save percentage and a 2.85 goals-against average. The two goalies ahead of him are Cam Talbot with a .927 save percentage and Mackenzie Blackwood with a .914. The two goalies ahead of him in goals-against average are Talbot with a 2.42 goals-against average and Darcy Kuemper with a 2.66.
It'd be challenging to see Canada entering the tournament with Talbot and Blackwood as their two goalies. They could take a chance on Talbot, but Blackwood would need a lights-out November to claim a spot. Kuemper seems more reliable with his Stanley Cup pedigree, but he has some injury concerns this season.
Jordan Binnington and Adin Hill are the two favorites for getting the job. Their Stanley Cup pedigrees are the most significant reason, but their numbers tell a different story. Hill has a .886 save percentage and a 3.16 goals-against average. Binnington has a .886 save percentage and a 3.20 goals-against average. Logan Thompson has also turned some heads with the Washington Capitals' start, appearing in nine games with a 2.63 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.
Montembeault will need a perfect November to be one of the three goaltenders chosen. The last three games are a good start, and he'll also need Thompson or Talbot to falter. Talbot's numbers on the worst team in the Atlantic Division are another positive for him, but it could also mean he will fall apart before the team gets picked. It may be an outside shot, but Montembeault is in a much better spot right now than last Wednesday.