3 least impressive Montreal Canadiens from 9-2 loss to Pittsburgh Penguins feat. Sam Montembeault 

The Montreal Canadiens suffered their most embarrassing setback of the season on Thursday night against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins at Bell Centre, a 9-2 defeat that had fans booing their team throughout the evening.

The loss dropped the Habs to 11-15-3, while the Penguins improved their pedestrian record to 13-14-4.

The night started well enough for the hosts, who broke the ice with a goal from captain Nick Suzuki just 2:12 after the opening puck drop. But the Penguins would tie it two minutes later thanks to Rikard Rackell's power-play goal.

In the second period, Bryan Rust scored twice in just under four minutes, giving the Penguins a 3-1 lead. The lead was cut to a single goal by the Habs thanks to Joel Armia's fourth goal.

But that would do it for any positive the Habs could point toward for the rest of the evening.

The offensive barrage for the Penguins continued into the third period, as Rakell scored again, followed by goals from Kris Letang, Anthony Beauvillier, the hat-trick goal from Rust, Matt Nieto and Noel Acciari.

Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry made 21 saves on 23 shots, while it was a nightmare for both Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau.

3 least impressive Montreal Canadiens from 9-2 loss to Pittsburgh Penguins

#3. Goaltender Sam Montembeault

One of many Canadiens players who have battled inconsistency this season, Montembeaut was victimized for six goals on 26 shots before finally being pulled from the net by head coach Martin St. Louis.

However, his counterpart Cayden Primeau didn't fare much better, allowing a trio of Penguins goals on the seven shots he faced.

The Canadiens have to be wishing that they had Jake Allen back in their crease after deciding to trade him at last season's NHL Trade Deadline to the New Jersey Devils because the tandem of Montembeault and Primeau just isn't getting the job done.

#2. Forward Brandan Gallagher

One of Montreal's top forwards that they rely upon for offense, Gallagher failed to generate anything meaningful against the Penguins.

Not only did he fail to register a single shot on goal, but he was also on the ice for two separate Penguins goals.

#3. Defenseman Mike Matheson

Despite leading all Habs defensemen in ice time on Thursday night, Matheson was a -1 while also committing a trio of giveaways, one of which eventually ended up in the back of Montreal's net.

The Canadiens will look to bounce back when they face the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on Saturday.