Emergency Goalie Primeau Joins Canadiens for Crucial Game 4

MONTREAL — Cayden Primeau raced to the Bell Centre on Friday night to back up the Montreal Canadiens after starting goalie Samuel Montembeault left the game with an undisclosed injury. Primeau received the call from Laval Rocket coach Pascal Vincent while watching Game 3 against the Washington Capitals in Laval, Quebec.

Primeau, 25, was initially at home resting, not wanting to risk spreading illness to his teammates before the Calder Cup Playoffs. However, when he saw Montembeault exit during the game, his phone rang with the urgent request to head to the Bell Centre.

“I had seen ‘Monty’ come out, but I honestly wasn’t expecting the call. But once I got the call, I knew exactly what it was for,” Primeau said. Despite uncertainty about his eligibility since he wasn’t on the roster before the game, he hurried to the arena, arriving just in time for the third period but had not dressed for the game.

The Canadiens ultimately won the match 6-3, cutting Washington’s series lead to 2-1. Montembeault remains day-to-day, and Primeau was recalled again to serve as Jakub Dobes‘ backup for Game 4 on Sunday.

Before Sunday’s game, Primeau reflected on his unexpected journey on Friday. “It could take 20-30 minutes to get here from Laval. How quickly did I make it? Faster than I’d like to admit,” he said with a smile. Laval’s equipment trainers helped ensure his gear arrived at the Bell Centre.

Montembeault had not participated in Sunday’s morning skate, increasing speculation about his readiness for Game 4. Dobes, who took over for Montembeault in Game 3, is expected to start if Montembeault cannot go.

Primeau had success with Laval this season, boasting a 21-2-2 record and a 1.96 goals-against average, earning him the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award for allowing the fewest goals per game. Quebec’s hockey community has rallied behind him, with Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis expressing confidence in Primeau’s abilities. “We’re happy to have him back. After what he’s done, I feel very good,” St. Louis said.

As for Dobes, who is a rookie in his first playoff series, St. Louis advises him to trust his training and to embrace the moment. He’s been performing well, with a strong start to the playoffs and gaining the team’s confidence.

Meanwhile, Washington could see the return of goalie Logan Thompson, who had suffered a face injury during Game 3 but participated in the morning skate on Sunday. Coach Spencer Carbery will determine his status before the game.