Montembeault's Saves Undone by Late Goals

The Montreal Canadiens experienced a disheartening 4-3 defeat against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Saturday night. Goaltender Sam Montembeault delivered a strong performance for the majority of the game, making crucial saves that kept the Canadiens ahead. However, two goals in the third period, described as stoppable shots, ultimately sealed the loss, negating his earlier efforts.

Individually, rookie Ivan Demidov is proving to be a standout player. He currently leads all rookies in NHL scoring with 43 points in 52 games, showcasing elite offensive vision and decision-making, which coach Martin St. Louis likens to a "super computer." Demidov's efficiency at five-on-five is among the best in the league.

Fellow forward Juraj Slafkovský has also experienced a notable surge in performance. After entering his fourth season, the game has appeared to slow down for him. Slafkovský has learned to effectively utilize his reach, shielding the puck and making plays from various angles, contributing significantly to his recent success, with 31 points in his last 30 games since late November. A more lighthearted aspect of the team dynamic involves Slafkovský delivering lineup news to teammates, including Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble, often in the pre-game hot tub. This informal ritual, while amusing, led to Slafkovský jokingly asking for his hot tub sessions not to be exposed by media.