TAMPA – The NHL has officially crowned its new king of the crease. On Monday, the league announced that Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes has been named the First Star of the Week for the period ending March 29, 2026.
At just 24 years old, Dobes delivered a masterclass in goaltending over the last seven days. The rookie went a perfect 3-0-0, posting an elite .962 save percentage and a staggering 1.33 goals-against average.
His standout performance came on Tuesday against the Carolina Hurricanes, where he set a new career-high by turning aside 41 shots in a high-pressure environment. In total, Dobes stopped 100 of the 104 shots he faced during his three-game stint.
Surpassing Legends: Roy and Price
While the stats are impressive, the historical context is even more shocking. With his most recent victories, Dobes has officially surpassed Patrick Roy and Carey Price for the most wins in a single season by a rookie goaltender in Canadiens history.
He is now tied for sixth in franchise history with 25 wins—a feat accomplished in the most storied «goalie factory» in hockey.
As the Canadiens push through a critical stretch of the season, Dobes has transformed from a promising prospect into the backbone of the team. His recognition as the NHL’s First Star isn’t just a weekly award; it’s a signal that the torch in Montreal has officially been passed.