Jakub Dobes, 23, arrives in the NHL like a fairytale hero, while Cayden Primeau probably has to look for a punching bag somewhere in the Rocket locker room.
Because, let’s be honest, what happened Saturday in Florida is exactly what Primeau has dreamed of doing for years.
But now, it’s Dobes who signs a masterful shutout in his first game in the NHL, while Primeau, once again, remains stuck in the shadows.
Dobes did everything perfectly. 34 stops. Not a single moment where he seemed lost or overwhelmed. Key saves on Lundell and Bennett.
In short, a performance worthy of a veteran. Meanwhile, Primeau must wonder what he’s missing. Is it luck? The timing? Or just that little something that makes a goalkeeper stand out as soon as you give him an opportunity?
Because Dobes had exactly what Primeau had been waiting for for years: a real chance. And he grabbed it with both hands.
The situation is almost cruel when you think about it. Primeau, drafted in 2017, is supposed to be the Canadiens’ goaltender of the future.
The one that we patiently develop, that we prepare for this kind of moment. But the opportunities, for him, were rare, and when they presented themselves, they never gave rise to magical moments like that of Dobes.
Primeau had decent performances, a few good games here and there, but nothing that made you say, “This guy is ready to be a number two in the NHL.”
Dobes only needed one match to create this kind of buzz.
And let’s talk about mentality, because that’s where it gets interesting. After the game, Dobes was calm, collected, almost embarrassed by all the attention.
He paid tribute to his teammates, to his goalkeeping coach in Laval, Marco Marciano, and even to his mother, present in the stands.
Everything he said exuded maturity and humility: “It was a great day, but tomorrow, back to work.”
The guy already understands that the NHL isn’t just a magical moment, it’s a mountain to climb, one day at a time.
Primeau, for his part, must struggle with his own demons. Seeing Dobes succeed where he hasn’t yet excelled must be a blow.
Because it’s not just about performance. It’s a question of perception. Every save from Dobes, every confident smile after a key sequence, it’s a reminder that the Canadiens’ goaltending hierarchy is changing.
However, the real challenge for Jakub Dobes begins now. Shining in a first match, buoyed by adrenaline and the added support of teammates aware of the occasion, is a great story.
But in the NHL, one game doesn’t make a career. The real test will be to prove that he can reproduce this performance on a regular basis, without the unique context of a first start which always attracts a little more collective effort.
Dobes will need to show he can handle pressure, adapt to opponents’ adjustments and perform even when the novelty wears off.
Therein lies the difference between a breakout hit and a solid future in the big league.
The Canadiens saw a nice glimpse of his potential, but the question that remains is simple: Can Jakub Dobes be that consistent, reliable goaltender that the team can build its future on?
To be continued
