Jakub Dobes, the Montreal Canadiens’ young goaltender, wrapped up October with a flawless record: six wins in six starts, a .930 save percentage, and a 1.97 goals-against average. Yet the NHL placed him third in its monthly stars ranking, behind Jack Eichel and Mark Scheifele—prompting questions about how the league values defensive excellence.
At just 24, Dobes joined rare company in Canadiens history, becoming only the fourth netminder in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) to start a season with six straight wins. The others—Carey Price, Wayne Thomas, and Ken Dryden—are icons. So why is Dobes, a fifth-round pick in the 2020 Draft, being treated like a footnote?
The decision has stirred unease among fans and analysts alike. Dobes didn’t just exceed expectations—he anchored a rebuilding team with clutch performances. His latest win, a 4-3 overtime triumph over Seattle on October 28, cemented his status as the breakout story of the month.
While the NHL celebrates Eichel and Scheifele for their offensive output, many wonder if Dobes’ unbeaten streak was undervalued by a system that favors goals over saves. In Montreal, the debate is no longer about whether Dobes is a rising star—it’s about whether the league is ready to recognize him as a legitimate one.