Canadiens' Jakub Dobes: Rookie Goalie's Competitive Drive Earns Teammates' Respect
Montreal Canadiens rookie goaltender Jakub Dobes is quickly making a name for himself not just for his performances between the pipes, but for an intense competitive spirit that has caught the attention of his teammates. The 24-year-old netminder, who recently earned his second consecutive start against the Colorado Avalanche, brings a relentless drive to win in every aspect of his life.
On-Ice Battles and Key Performances
Dobes demonstrated his value in a recent 3-2 overtime victory against the Vegas Golden Knights, where he stopped 32 of 34 shots. This performance came at a significant time for the Canadiens, following the firing of goalie coach Eric Raymond and his replacement by interim coach Marco Marciano, who previously worked with Dobes in the AHL.
Teammates have been vocal about Dobes's approach to the game. Veteran forward Brendan Gallagher highlighted his tenacity, noting, "He competes. There's certain plays where it might look like it's an open net—he's going to get across and continue to battle." Gallagher added that Dobes takes up considerable space in the crease and has shown he can get on hot streaks, making him a reliable presence when the puck drops.
Forward Cole Caufield echoed these sentiments after the Vegas game, stating, "The guy's a battler, gamer, and he showed it again tonight. He's been really good for a while now and we couldn't be more proud of him."
Fantasy Football Dominance
Dobes's competitive nature extends beyond the rink to the Canadiens' NFL fantasy football league, where he recently emerged as the champion. Teammate Jake Evans humorously remarked, "He's annoying off the ice with how competitive he is—I'm talking fantasy football here. He's really annoying and competitive."
Gallagher confirmed Dobes's victory, though he suggested luck played a role, saying, "He had a very fortunate draft, put it that way. He has no idea what he's doing. He made about three trades, he lost every one of them, but his team was still pretty good." Captain Nick Suzuki, who serves as the league's commissioner, noted that Dobes enjoyed teasing his teammates about the win, adding to the locker room dynamic.
Statistical Impact and Team Role
Despite not being the most technically polished goaltender, Dobes's competitiveness has translated into solid results. This season, he has compiled a 16-5-3 record with a 2.96 goals-against average and an .890 save percentage. The Canadiens had a 6-0-1 record in his last seven starts prior to the Avalanche game, underscoring his importance to the team's recent success.
In contrast, fellow goaltender Samuel Montembeault has struggled, posting a 9-8-2 record with a 3.46 GAA and an .868 save percentage, including a 1-2-1 mark in his last four starts. This disparity has led to discussions about potentially installing Dobes as the team's number one goalie for a sustained stretch.
Coaching Perspective and Future Outlook
Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged Dobes's professional approach, stating after Tuesday's game, "I think he's been ready for his starts and he's been battling every day to keep improving. And tonight he gets the start and goes out there and he's a battler. I think he's been a pro through it all."
When asked if Dobes is ready to handle the workload of a primary starter, St. Louis remained cautious, emphasizing a game-by-game evaluation. However, he affirmed, "What I like about him—Jake's right—he competes."
Suzuki summarized the team's view, saying, "I love his compete level. He's intense. He's super confident. So I think those are some good qualities, for sure." As the Canadiens navigate questions in net, Dobes's fiery demeanor and winning mentality are positioning him as a key figure in the team's ongoing development.
