Alex Newhook may have given the Canadians the win with a highlight-reel wrist shot, but most of his teammates directed shots away from him as fans celebrated their fifth overtime win of the season.
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Instead they rushed at Samuel Montembault. Having found himself in a difficult start to the season, the 29-year-old goalkeeper managed to break a two-game losing streak. This was his first achievement since October 14th.
“We wanted him to win so much,” said the hero of the match, returning to the locker room. “He's been an important part of this team for several seasons. We believe in him. Having him behind us gives us confidence.”
A few steps away from Newhook, Jayden Struble, who distinguished himself by landing some well-felt shots on Nick Cousins, was also happy for Montembeault.
“It's great to see him win the match. I'm so happy for him,” the defender said. “He didn’t start the season the way he wanted, but it’s definitely not his fault.”
“I don't know if it has affected his confidence level. But we know he is a very good goalkeeper,” he added.
A step in the right direction
This win is definitely a step in the right direction. However, it will take a little more to convince Montembo that he has completely emerged from his stupor.
“This is a victory that makes me happy, although from a statistical point of view it is not great yet,” he said.
If he's not entirely satisfied, it's because he conceded three of 17 shots. In the efficiency ratio column this gives 0.824. There is no hope of winning the Vezina Trophy. But still.
“Technically, I found that I moved better. I made better saves on straight shots,” he analyzed.
Another failed jump
In this controversial start to the season, the masked man from Becancourt was also unlucky to be the victim of some bad jumping.
It was the same in Edmonton, and it was the same with the Senators. The visitors' second goal, scored by Michael Amadio, took the puck off Mike Matheson's skate and into the net.
“It was annoying. It seems to happen every game,” said Montembeault, who apparently didn't blame his teammate.
“It's boring, but what do you want from me? I have to go to the locker room, have good body language and come back strong.”
Which is what he did. To his and his teammates' great relief, the evening finally turned in his favor.
