The Canadian’s holiday trip ended in beauty or in pain, depending on Samuel Montembeault’s point of view.
What should have been a simple rotation between goalkeepers suddenly became a hot storyline thanks to one Jakub Dobes.
This young prodigy, in only his second NHL game, not only held down the fort against the Colorado Avalanche, but absolutely stole the show.
The numbers speak for themselves: 38 saves, a .974 save percentage, and a calmness that evokes a certain Carey Price.
If you think I’m exaggerating, know that even Renaud Lavoie and Félix Séguin couldn’t help but mention the former number 31 repeatedly during the match. “He has this fluidity in his movements, this aura which unsettles the opponent”noted Séguin.
And let’s face it: Mikko Rantanen probably agrees.
Because it was against him that Dobes made what could already be the save of the year.
The Avalanche star couldn’t believe it. On the bench, the faces of his teammates seemed to say: “But who is this guy?”
And that was just the beginning. Dobes continued to dominate throughout the match, stopping shots from MacKinnon, Makar, et al like it was a regular day at the office.
But the highlight of the show came during the shootout.
Dobes was unmoved. Three attempts, three saves. No nervousness, no stress. Just cold mastery that left the Avalanche unanswered.
Meanwhile, Kirby Dach and Cole Caufield did what was necessary on the other side to close the match in favor of the Habs. Final result: 2-1, a resounding victory.
If Dobes impressed, what can we say about Samuel Montembeault? As his younger rival heaps praise, one can imagine he feels increasing pressure.
Montembeault, who himself carried the Canadian on his shoulders for a large part of the season, suddenly found himself in an uncomfortable position.
How can you compete with a goalkeeper who, after just two games, seems ready to take the throne?
Some might say it’s too early to draw conclusions, but Dobes’ numbers speak for themselves: two games, one goal conceded, .978 save percentage.
It’s a stunning debut, and it’s hard to ignore the effect he’s already having on the team. Players seemed to play with renewed energy in front of him, blocking shots, taking calculated risks.
So what happens next? The Canadian returns to Montreal with a new dynamic in his lineup. Dobes, with his spectacular play and his composure, has just launched a direct challenge to Montembeault.
One thing is certain, this performance from Dobes will be difficult to forget.
If you still doubt it, watch the video of the shootout. You will understand why the Avalanche, and Mikko Rantanen in particular, are still having trouble digesting this defeat.
