In sport, balance is a fragile thing, but all it takes is for the pieces to fall into place for a team to get back on track and speed along like a TGV.
• Also read: Jakub Dobes is a young man on a mission
• Also read: The Canadian wins even when he shouldn’t
This is what we are seeing with the Canadian. The return of Patrik Laine ensured that all the attackers found themselves in the right chair. The acquisition of Alexandre Carrier stabilized and balanced the defensive brigade.
And now there is Jakub Dobes, who was the last piece missing from Martin St-Louis’ puzzle. His arrival now gives him a chance to win every game, regardless of who wears the pads, and Samuel Montembeault no longer has to be overtaxed.
Once again, Thursday night, Dobes was solid and gave his team a chance to win. As much as we love the individual that Cayden Primeau is, we are forced to admit that he was unable to give the team the same chances of winning.
Jakub Dobes has still not experienced defeat since he was recalled by the Canadian. – USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Among the best
Among goalkeepers who have played at least two games since December 28, the date of his first start, Jakob Dobes has the best efficiency rate (0.963) and the best goals against average (0.98).
During this period, almost every goalie with more wins than him – he has four in as many starts – is number one on their team.
Once again among the goalkeepers who have played at least two games since December 28, Dobes is the one who has allowed the fewest goals (4), he is on an equal footing with Marc-André Fleury, who has played one part less.
We are a long way from the goalie who was a little clumsy and sometimes lost in front of his net during his first weeks with the Laval Rocket last season. Dobes exudes a confidence that should not be mistaken for arrogance. He walks the fine line between the two very skillfully.
-What if…
It would be easy to say that Martin St-Louis protected his young goaltender by giving him his first four starts abroad, far from the pothole that the Bell Center can be.
But we still have to look at the opponents who are now part of his hunting list. In his first start, he posted a shutout against the Florida Panthers, reigning Stanley Cup champions and co-owners of the top position in the Atlantic Division.
Dobes then went to beat the Avalanche in Colorado, one of the good teams in the West, having won the Stanley Cup in 2022.
He then beat the Capitals in Washington, the best team in the Eastern Conference, and finally the Stars in Dallas, a team that had lost only five games at home and had an 8-1-1 record. during the two previous meetings.
We find ourselves wondering if the Canadian would not have garnered a few more points if Dobes had started the season in Montreal in place of Cayden Primeau, who only won two of his seven starts. That said, he faced the Bruins twice and the Capitals once, not easy customers. But doubt persists.
What a sequence!
The Canadian has just concluded a streak of 15 games where he had to take a plane between each game. He has played nine of his last eleven games on opposing rinks.
To have maintained an 8-2-1 record under the circumstances is an achievement.
What’s even more surprising is that over the last 13 games, the Habs have won eight games in which they trailed. It’s a sign of a combative team that never gives up.
Even more surprising, the Canadian has won his last four games abroad even though he allowed the first goal, a situation that did not rhyme with the word “victory” at the start of the season.
