Montembault injury, Fowler’s opportunity headline Canadiens evening report

The big story around the Canadiens this evening is in goal. According to Sportsnet, Sam Montembault is out with an injury, and his teammates are underlining how important he has been for the group in Montreal, both on and off the ice.

Fowler steps in, confidence from Caufield and St. Louis

With Montembault sidelined, Jacob Fowler is suddenly at the centre of attention. The Hockey News highlights the opportunity now in front of the young netminder with the Canadiens, while Sportsnet reports that Cole Caufield and head coach Martin St. Louis are publicly backing Fowler’s ability to handle the assignment. In the same vein, Sportsnet notes Philip Danault’s comments about Montembault’s value as a teammate and his connection with the French-speaking players, which only underscores the challenge Fowler is walking into.

Beyond the crease, The Hockey Writers points to underlying structural issues in the Canadiens’ game, focusing in particular on their second-period performances. Coming off a run to the Eastern Conference Final last spring, expectations for 2026–27 are described as high, and the article suggests that these second-period problems could threaten the season if they aren’t addressed.

Trade talk, history pieces and the next test

In the rumour mill, The Hockey Writers notes that Dylan Larkin continues to be linked to Montreal, with Elliotte Friedman viewing the Detroit Red Wings captain as a potential fit alongside Nick Suzuki. It’s presented as speculative, alongside other league-wide talking points in the same piece involving names like Connor Hellebuyck and Alex Ovechkin. Elsewhere, The Hockey Writers also surfaces older content, including a 2021 look back at the Vegas Golden Knights’ trade for Max Pacioretty.

In the standings, the Canadiens sit 7th in the Atlantic Division with three points in three games and a 1-1-1 record. Their next chance to bank points comes Thursday, October 8, when they host the Nashville Predators at the Bell Centre, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. in Montreal. Fowler’s performance in Montembault’s absence, combined with those noted second-period issues, will be closely watched against Nashville.