After a tough third-period meltdown against Boston over the weekend, the Montreal Canadiens had a couple of days to regroup - and they made good use of that reset. Back home at the Bell Centre with the Vegas Golden Knights in town, the Habs dug deep and pulled off another overtime win, banking two crucial points in a tightening Atlantic Division race as the Olympic break looms.
In games this tight, goaltending often becomes the difference-maker. And on this night, it was Jakub Dobeš who stepped up and stole the show. While Akira Schmid made his share of quality stops for Vegas, Dobeš outdueled him when it mattered most.
This wasn’t the usual high-wire act we’ve seen from Dobeš in the past. Known for relying on raw athleticism - often looking a little chaotic in the crease - he flipped the script against the Golden Knights.
His movements were controlled, his positioning sharp, and his reads crisp. The athleticism was still there, no doubt, but it was channeled through a calmer, more efficient approach.
And in a game where every save mattered, Dobeš delivered the kind of poised performance that gives a team confidence from the net out.
With four games left before players head to Milan for the Olympics - Colorado, Buffalo, Minnesota, and Winnipeg - the question now becomes: how much more can Dobeš handle? Based on what we’ve seen, the answer might be: as much as the Canadiens are willing to give him.
It’s a heavy lift, no question. But when you look at the upcoming matchups, it’s hard to justify not riding the hot hand.
Colorado is a juggernaut, Buffalo is a must-win divisional game, and Minnesota and Winnipeg are both in the thick of playoff races themselves. That’s not the time to experiment - it’s the time to lean on your best.
And right now, Dobeš is that guy.
Montembeault has had his moments, but the last time he faced Buffalo, he gave up three goals on just 16 shots. That’s the kind of outing you simply can’t afford with so much on the line.
Dobeš, on the other hand, has shown he can bounce back from mistakes without letting them snowball. That mental resilience, especially for a young goaltender, can’t be overstated.
This isn’t just about one good game. It’s about a body of work that’s trending in the right direction - and in a division where every point is a battle, the Canadiens don’t have the luxury of easing off the gas.
If they were in the Pacific, where the playoff bar is lower, maybe you could afford to split the crease more evenly. But they’re not.
So every game counts. Every decision matters.
And right now, Jakub Dobeš is giving Montreal their best chance to win. If he’s healthy and ready, he should be in the crease - every night, until the break.
The Canadiens are back in action Thursday night when the Colorado Avalanche come to town. That’ll be another big test - and another opportunity for Dobeš to show he’s more than just a stopgap. He might just be the answer.