MONTRÉAL – Jakub Dobes was certainly not going to take all the credit for this hard-won victory for the Montreal Canadiens against the New York Rangers.
Without the rookie goalkeeper’s two saves in overtime, it is certain that the Habs would not concede the extra point. But without the resilience of his teammates, who made up for four one-goal deficits to force overtime, the goalkeeper did not collect a fifth victory in as many starts.
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“You can’t blame me for this victory,” the 23-year-old laughed. “You can’t!” Yes, I made two saves in overtime. I can take some credit, but the guys played amazing in front of me. It’s not because of me, it’s the guys.
“Everyone has eyes. It wasn’t my best match, but the guys fought hard. They always found a way to get back into the game and I’m very proud of the team. »
It wasn’t easy, we agree. Since his recall with the big club, Dobes had accustomed us to spectacular performances and surprising confidence in front of his cage.
Against the Rangers, in his very first game at the Bell Centre, that was not the case. The Czech goalkeeper seemed shaky and was saved by his posts on a few occasions. He gave up four times on 24 shots in regulation time. But he made everything forget in the space of 10 seconds in overtime.
He first frustrated Vincent Trocheck with the glove when the latter found himself alone in front of him, then he managed a perfect move to repel Artemi Panarin’s one-timer on the same sequence. The crowd jumped to its feet, applauding wildly and chanting “Dobes!” Dobes! Dobes! “.
Forty-five seconds later, Patrik Laine beat Jonathan Quick at the other end. The roof of the amphitheater probably rose as half the team went to join the big Finn. The other half headed towards Dobes – a nice gesture of recognition.
“These people are stupid, it’s the best crowd I’ve ever played in front of,” he said with stars in his eyes. “They give me chills. I didn’t want to look around so as not to lose my concentration. I am very happy. I’m happy to be part of this adventure.
-“It’s the best place to play, and it’s a privilege every night. »
A victory for dad
So there was perhaps a little more nervousness than in his first four starts, all played abroad. It looked like it at times, but Dobes fought well – as did his people. He will now be able to celebrate with his father, present at the match, whom he has not seen in almost a year and a half.
“I wanted to do so well, but everything wasn’t going the way I wanted,” he pleaded. It’s been a battle, for sure. The hamster was getting pushed up there, but we managed to finish the job. I will be able to celebrate with my father, who had a great influence on my journey. »
That’s pretty much all that matters. In such a frantic race for a place in the playoffs, the Habs cannot ask for much more from the young man. He helps the team collect points every time he is in net and he seems to have a great desire to succeed.
And the beautiful naivety he displays is refreshing in the locker room.
“I play in the NHL,” he concluded, as if to convince himself. “I’m going to have good games, I’m going to have bad games and I’m going to have some lousy games. Hockey isn’t perfect and it brings you back down to earth sometimes. You can’t always be successful. It’s impossible. We have to turn the page.
“It’s incredible what’s happening. It’s a dream come true. I’m so happy to be here. It’s just new to me. Every day I create memories that will last a lifetime. »
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