The Montreal Canadiens are turning to goaltender Jakub Dobes for Monday night's clash with the Vancouver Canucks at the Bell Centre. This marks Dobes's first appearance in the crease since January 1, setting the stage for a critical performance that could shape the team's near-term roster decisions.
A High-Stakes Opportunity in Net
Dobes last played in a 7-5 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes, where he allowed five goals on 25 shots. Since that game, the Canadiens' net has been shared by rookie Jacob Fowler and veteran Samuel Montembeault. Fowler started three of the last five games, including a 4-0 loss to Detroit on Saturday, while Montembeault handled the other two starts.
The current three-goalie situation is not seen as a long-term solution. General Manager Kent Hughes acknowledged last week that while it helped manage a busy schedule—five games in seven days—the goalie who performs best will play the most. This context adds significant pressure to Dobes's start against Vancouver.
The Battle for the Blue Paint
The statistical landscape among the three netminders highlights the competition. Dobes carries a record of 13-5-3 with a 3.01 goals-against average (GAA) and an .889 save percentage. Fowler, in his nine NHL appearances, is 4-3-2 with a 2.46 GAA and a .908 save percentage. Montembeault, who recently returned from a conditioning stint in the AHL with Laval, holds an 8-6-1 record with a 3.39 GAA and an .869 save percentage.
A key logistical factor is waiver status. Montembeault would require waivers to be sent down to the AHL, while both Dobes and Fowler can be assigned without being exposed to other teams. This reality positions Dobes as the most likely candidate for a return to the Laval Rocket when the Canadiens eventually revert to a two-goalie system, making every save in this game count toward his case to stay.
Team Context and Opposition
Head coach Martin St. Louis expressed confidence in Fowler despite the recent loss, praising the 21-year-old's composure. "He's very composed," St. Louis said. "I feel he's ready for what's next. He's pretty even keeled. We like what we've seen." Fowler himself viewed the Detroit game as a learning experience in high-stakes hockey.
The Canadiens (25-14-6) enter Monday's contest in third place in the Atlantic Division, just two points behind the first-place Detroit Red Wings. The visiting Vancouver Canucks (16-23-5) own the NHL's worst record and are mired in a six-game losing streak (0-4-2), having been outscored 28-12 during that slide.
This game is the second and final meeting between the clubs this season. Montreal won the first encounter 4-3 in Vancouver on October 25, with Dobes making 28 saves on 31 shots for the victory. Despite the Canucks' struggles, Canadiens forward Phillip Danault cautioned against complacency, noting every NHL game is a tough challenge regardless of standings.
The matchup kicks off a back-to-back set for Montreal, who will travel to face the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.
