The Montreal Canadiens are riding high on the impressive performances from rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes, who has quickly made headlines with his capabilities. Debuting this season, Dobes is turning heads as he stands tall against tough competition, most recently against the Colorado Avalanche on January 4, 2025, where he faced down one of the league's strongest teams.
After losing to the Chicago Blackhawks the night before, the Canadiens needed resilience, and they found it with Dobes. This match-up was not just any game; it was against the Avalanche, who boasted six consecutive wins. Despite being put through the taxing schedule of back-to-back games, Dobes was called upon yet again, following his stellar debut where he shocked observers with a 34-save shutout against the Florida Panthers. "So, with Sam Montembeault starting against Chicago tomorrow, Jakub Dobes will be in net against Colorado on Saturday...What do you think about the choices?" noted The Hockey News, highlighting the bold move by head coach Martin St. Louis.
From the outset, the Canadiens found themselves under pressure. They struggled to gain control of the puck, and early penalties didn't help their cause, allowing Colorado to quickly capitalize with their first goal. Nonetheless, Dobes faced this adversity with remarkable poise, making several substantial saves early on. The only puck to pass him during the first period was on the power play, finished beautifully by Avalanche stars Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen.
Despite the deficit, Dobes's sense of calm reassured his team. "The youngster looks very calm and collected in net; he appears very confident and not at all star-struck by Colorado's all-star players," commented The Hockey News. This confidence was pivotal as the Canadiens regrouped, showing resolve as they tightened their defensive play throughout the second period.
Even as offense struggled, Dobes consistently thwarted Avalanche attacks, ending the second frame with only one goal against, having seen just 13 shots before the final period began. With the mounting pressure to deliver against the high-flying Avalanche, Dobes proved why he was entrusted with the net again. He warmed up to the action, enabling the Canadiens to settle and find their footing.
The turning point came during the third period. After dominating offensively with increased shots on goal, the Canadiens finally struck back with Cole Caufield finding the net, equalizing the score at one apiece. The added confidence from the equalizer translated to newfound energy for the Habs, as they continued to push against Colorado's attack, with Dobes standing tall, parrying shots and deflecting oncoming threats with ease.
Despite facing penalties, including one from Kaiden Guhle, Dobes remained unfazed. He made key saves, including several point-blank stops, which were pivotal to Montreal maintaining their ties even as Colorado pressed hard for the win. His awareness and quick decisions to transition the puck helped keep the Canadiens aggressive defensively. “He loves both the pressure and the spotlight and it shows,” reporters highlighted, emphasizing his tenacity.
When the game reached overtime, tensions were high. Dobes's presence drew respect from both the game officials and players alike as he continually impressed by resisting offensive advances from the Avalanche’s renowned talent. The highlight of his composure came during the shootout, where he made determined saves against Jonathan Drouin and Mikko Rantanen, helping to solidify the Canadiens' victory.
The Canadiens claimed their first win against the Avalanche, marking the end of Colorado’s impressive winning streak. It was also the first time this season they succeeded after trailing entering the final frame, illustrating their maturity and resilience, largely thanks to Dobes's strong presence.
Jakub Dobes played largely unbothered through the game, possessing the ability to face high-pressure circumstances without flinching. His save percentage now stands at .982 through his early career, with optimism surrounding his potential. Less than two games cannot truly dictate his future, but if this performance is any indication, he signals good things for the future of Canadiens' goaltending.
Following their successful trip, the Montreal Canadiens now return home, where they look forward to taking on the Vancouver Canucks next. Dobes' performance has not only buoyed the Canadiens’ hopes this season, but also sparked excitement among fans who relish the idea of witnessing the birth of what might just be their next standout goaltender.