Montreal Canadiens compete for playoff spot post-break

The Montreal Canadiens are making a strong push for a playoff spot after a successful run since returning from the Confrontation of the 4 Nations break. A key player in their recent success is goalie Samuel Montembeault, who has shown impressive performance in the net. Since the break, Montembeault has played in eight games, winning seven and only losing once in overtime. His efficiency rate has been remarkable, as he has achieved a rate above .900 in six of those games. According to sports analyst Martin Leclerc, this level of consistency is notable, even when compared to former star goalie Carey Price. Montembeault's statistics also show that he is performing similarly to Connor Hellebuyck, a top contender for the Vezina Trophy. Montembeault has a .922 efficiency rate compared to Hellebuyck’s .920. Moreover, Montembeault has allowed an average of 2.09 goals per game since the return, which is slightly higher than Hellebuyck’s 1.96 but still impressive. As the playoff race heats up, the Canadiens will rely on Montembeault's skills against tough teams like the Islanders, Avalanche, and Blues. The excitement around the team continues to build as they strive for a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. In other news, players and analysts are also praising Nick Suzuki for his consistent performances, calling him one of the top centers in the NHL. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames remain the only Canadian team not in a playoff position, while other Canadian teams have better chances for postseason success.