Jan 19, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes (75) skates on fresh ice towards his net during warm-up before the game against the New York Rangers at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

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Jakub Dobes Emerges as Canadiens Rising Star with Stellar Performances

From a perfect start to shutting down NHL stars, Jakub Dobes is solidifying his role as the Canadiens' go-to backup goalie.

The Montreal Canadiens began the 2024-25 season as one of the least successful teams in the NHL but have now hit a winning surge that has made everyone pay attention. Transitioning from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to becoming one of the most surprising teams, the Canadiens are chasing a playoff position.

During a 12-3-1 streak over their last 16 games, the Canadiens have witnessed a notable performance from rookie goalie Jakub Dobes. A victory in overtime against the New York Rangers allowed Dobes to maintain his flawless record, elevating his mark to 5-0-0 in his initial five professional starts. In addition to his flawless record, Dobes boasts a .940 save percentage and a 1.55 goals-against average. Before he met with the Rangers, he had not conceded more than two goals in a match.

Dobes began his career by achieving a shutout with 34 saves against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. Since that time, he has only become more remarkable.

JAKUB DOBES MASTERCLASS 😤

He makes not one, but TWO, HUGE stops in overtime to help secure the win! pic.twitter.com/5O5MDoVqLl
— NHL (@NHL) January 20, 2025

After his shutout against the Panthers, Dobes conceded only one goal before overcoming the dynamic Colorado Avalanche in a shootout. He recorded 22 saves during regulation and overtime before denying Jonathan Drouin and Mikko Rantanen in the shootout.

Alex Ovechkin is pursuing Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal record, yet he could not overcome Dobes in their initial encounter. Dobes guided the Canadiens to win 3-2 overtime against the Washington Capitals.

Jan 19, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes (75) skates on fresh ice towards his net during the warm-up before the game against the New York Rangers at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Dobes proceeded to save 32 of 33 shots against the Dallas Stars for his fourth career victory, having not yet played a game on home ice. Finally taking to the ice for his debut in Montreal, Dobes once more impressed against the Rangers. He conceded four goals during the first two periods but closed off access when it was crucial. He had nine saves during the third period and overtime before Patrik Laine scored the decisive goal.

Dobes is rightly securing his position in the NHL and deserves to be a regular as the Canadiens’ backup. His initial four victories were over playoff teams, and he hasn’t seemed out of position at all.

As Cayden Primeau faced difficulties in the NHL, Dobes stepped in and made an impression with the chances he received. The backup position will belong to Dobes for the time being.

Image Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Jakub Dobes

Montreal Canadiens

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

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