Dobes Delivers as Habs Finally Conquer Toronto
The Montreal Canadiens, led by a stellar performance from goaltender Jakub Dobes, exorcised some Toronto demons with a 2-1 shootout victory over the Maple Leafs on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The win at Scotiabank Arena snapped a daunting 11-game (0-9-2) losing streak for the Habs in Toronto, with their last victory there dating back to February 2021.
A Defensive Battle Decided in the Shootout
For much of the regulation 60 minutes, the historic rivalry lacked its typical fire. Scoring chances were scarce, with Toronto managing only 10 shots through two periods. The game sprang to life in the thrilling three-on-three overtime, where both teams generated three shots each, setting the stage for the shootout decider.
The Canadiens opened the scoring in the second period with a power-play goal from Cole Caufield, extending his personal point streak to an impressive 10 games. Toronto responded with a shorthanded marker from Scott Laughton in the same period, which was his first career goal against Montreal in 24 games.
At the other end, Dobes was a wall, turning aside 22 of 23 shots for a .957 save percentage. His clutch play included a key stop with his mask on a point-blank chance from Dakota Joshua in the third period.
St. Louis Praises Team's Defensive Standard
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis highlighted the team's structured play as the foundation for the crucial road win. "The defensive part of our game tonight was the best I've seen it, to be honest," St. Louis told media in Toronto. "We didn't give them much. It's up to the players to keep those standards."
He also praised his young netminder's competitive fire. "He competes in net. He's very demanding of himself. He likes that stage—Saturday night in Toronto. I don't think he gets intimidated by that."
Dobes, who has now won four of his last five starts, echoed the coach's focus on details. "That's how we need to play," Dobes said. "Good details. Play mature hockey... If we play like that we'll be successful going forward."
Other notable game details included:
- The Canadiens' penalty kill was perfect, going 3-for-3, while Toronto's power play struggled, converting only 2 of its last 25 opportunities.
- Mike Matheson logged a team-high 26:56 in ice time.
- The Canadiens were narrowly outhit 28-21 and won only 41.9% of their faceoffs.
- This game marked defenceman Morgan Rielly's 900th career NHL game.
The victory provides a significant morale boost for the Canadiens as they return home, having finally solved their Toronto woes behind the emerging prowess of Jakub Dobes.
