In a move that has Montreal Canadiens fans reeling, the team has abruptly fired goaltending coach **Eric Raymond** just 53 games into the season—while still clinging to a playoff position in the East. With their goalies posting a dismal .884 save percentage (28th in the NHL), the pressure finally exploded.
The Brutal Reality Behind the Firing
Jakub Dobes, Samuel Montembeault, and Jacob Fowler have been hemorrhaging goals all year. That league-worst .884 SV% isn’t just bad—it’s playoff-killing bad. Despite the team’s surprising spot in the postseason race, management clearly decided enough was enough. Raymond, who held the job since 2021, is out. No warning. No soft landing. Just gone.
Enter Marco Marciano: Interim Savior or Temporary Fix?
The Canadiens didn’t look far for Raymond’s replacement. Marco Marciano, the highly regarded goaltending coach from AHL affiliate Laval Rocket, has been promoted on an interim basis for the rest of the season. Fans are asking: Can fresh eyes finally stop the bleeding in net?
The Islanders Did It—And It Worked
Montreal isn’t the first team to pull this trigger. Earlier this season, the New York Islanders axed their goalie coach Pierre Greco after just six games. They replaced him with Sergei Naumovs—and the results were stunning. Ilya Sorokin and David Rittich jumped from a .880 SV% (25th) to .907 (4th best) over the next 46 games. Is history about to repeat in Montreal?
Desperation or Genius? The Debate Is On
This isn’t just a coaching change—it’s a statement. The Habs are fighting for their playoff lives, and they’re willing to make bold, ruthless moves to stay there. Raymond paid the price for the goalies’ struggles, but will Marciano be the spark that ignites a turnaround? Or is the damage already too deep?
- Eric Raymond: Out after four seasons
- Marco Marciano: Promoted from Laval Rocket (interim)
- Current Habs SV%: .884 (28th in NHL)
- Team status: Still in Eastern Conference playoff position
One thing’s for sure—this firing just lit a fire under the entire Canadiens organization. The pressure is sky-high, and every save from here on out will be scrutinized. Habs fans, are you panicking or pumped?
