The Montreal Canadiens are buzzing about rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes, and it's easy to see why. After a standout performance against the top-seeded Carolina Hurricanes, Dobes is proving to be a game-changer for the Habs.
“He played great last night and gave us a chance early in the game,” forward Alex Newhook shared after a light practice session. “We didn’t have our best start, but Dobes kept us in it. Sometimes, you need your goalie to step up, especially at this point in the season.”
In their 5-2 victory, Dobes was nothing short of spectacular, stopping 41 shots and posting a .953 save percentage. After conceding two early goals, he locked down the net, turning away the next 33 shots. His clutch saves on breakaways from Taylor Hall and Logan Stankoven were pivotal in maintaining the Canadiens’ lead.
With this win, Montreal solidified their third-place standing in the Atlantic Division, thanks in part to Dobes’ heroics. As the team prepares to face Columbus, it seems likely that head coach Martin St.
Louis will continue to ride the hot hand of Dobes, who has emerged as the Canadiens’ go-to netminder. In 35 games, he boasts a 23-8-4 record with a 2.88 goals-against average.
While his .896 save percentage might not leap off the page, his ability to secure wins is undeniable.
Since Marco Marciano took over as goalie coach, Dobes’ numbers have seen a marked improvement. He’s posted a 9-3-1 record with a 2.72 GAA and a .907 save percentage, a testament to the positive changes in his game.
Veteran defenseman Mike Matheson praised Dobes, noting his timely saves and growing confidence. With 12 games remaining, the Canadiens are poised for a playoff push, leaning on the young tandem of Dobes and Jacob Fowler. Fowler, since his recall, has shown promise with two wins in three starts.
Rookie goalies catching fire isn’t unheard of. Remember Matt Murray’s back-to-back Stanley Cup wins with Pittsburgh? Dobes and Fowler may not have that experience yet, but their performances are inspiring confidence within the team.
The Canadiens showcased their resilience against Carolina, securing their 24th comeback win of the season. “When we play our brand and roll our lines, we’re tough to beat,” Newhook said. “Even when we’re down, we know there’s plenty of game left.”
As Montreal gears up for a three-game homestand finale against Columbus, fans are eager to see if Dobes can continue his impressive run. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets have climbed to second in the Metropolitan Division, adding another layer of intrigue to this upcoming matchup.