BROSSARD, QC — The Montreal Canadiens are riding high after back-to-back victories over Toronto and Ottawa, and head coach Martin St-Louis is sticking with the hot hand. St-Louis confirmed this morning that Jakub Dobes will get the start this Saturday against the San Jose Sharks, a decision that further complicates the standing of veteran Samuel Montembeault.
The Rise of Dobes
The 24-year-old Czech netminder has become the story of the season, posting a stellar 21-6-4 record in 30 appearances. While his 2.97 GAA and .892 save percentage might seem modest, his ability to «steal» games has been undeniable—most notably a 36-save masterclass against the Kings last Saturday. Dobes is currently seeking personal redemption; the last time he faced San Jose, he surrendered six goals in a 7-5 loss.
Lineup Shuffles: The Return of Gally?
Practice lines at the Brossard training complex revealed more than just a goalie change. Veteran Brendan Gallagher appears poised to reclaim his spot in the rotation, likely at the expense of Alexandre Texier. Meanwhile, the energetic Zachary Bolduc is set to skate alongside Evans and Dach, bringing a level of NHL experience and confidence that has flourished since his arrival from St. Louis.
A Defensive Boost for the Czech Wall
The Canadiens’ defense (3-1-1 in their last five) will receive a significant boost with Mike Matheson returning to stabilize the blue line. Combined with Lane Hutson’s record-breaking breakout play, the defensive unit’s priority is clear: protect Dobes and ensure efficient transition play to avoid a repeat of the Sharks’ high-scoring upset earlier this month.
The Montembeault Dilemma
Perhaps the most jarring takeaway from the current momentum is the decline of Samuel Montembeault. With Dobes dominating and the shadow of prospect Jacob Fowler looming, rumors are swirling that the Canadiens may consider a temporary assignment to the Laval Rocket for Montembeault to find his game—a move that seemed unthinkable at the start of the season.