Montembeault made the second-most saves ever by a Canadiens goaltender in a shutout, behind Jacques Plante (52) in 1955.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault stole the spotlight on the season opener of the 2024-25 NHL season, delivering a record-breaking performance during his team’s win 1-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 27-year-old goalie made 48 saves, setting an NHL record for the most saves in a season-opening shutout.
His incredible effort ended Maple Leaf’s 252-game streak without being shut out, which was the third-longest streak in NHL history. Montembeault’s historic game is the latest in a long line of strong goaltending in NHL season openers. Here’s a look at the top save counts in season-opening games.
On October 10, 2024, Montembeault created history by blocking 48 shots to secure a 1-0 shutout victory for the Montreal Canadiens against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He made the second-most saves ever by a Canadiens goaltender in a shutout, behind Jacques Plante (52) in 1955.
Plante set the record against the Chicago Blackhawks in 1955 and remains one of the most iconic shutouts in NHL history.
Just a year before, Filip Gustavsson held the record with a 41-save shutout. Playing for the Minnesota Wild, he stood like a wall against the Florida Panthers in their season opener, helping the Wild secure an early-season win with his outstanding goaltending.
Notably, Gustavsson became the fourth Wild goalie to get a shutout in a season opener. Darcy Kuemper (2014), Niklas Backstrom (2007), and Dwayne Roloson (2001) were the other goalies to achieve the milestone.
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Marc-Andre Fleury had an unforgettable outing in the 2006-07 season opener, stopping 40 shots for the Pittsburgh Penguins in game against the Philadelphia Flyers. His exceptional play in goal not only set the tone for the Penguins’ season but is also regarded as one of Fleury’s most impressive performances.
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