Jakub Dobes will be the starting goalie tonight in Carolina

In the Canadiens' last game, Mike Matheson took a dangerous hit from Brad Marchand in overtime.

The Canadiens defenseman looked stunned as he left the ice, and ultimately, we wondered what would happen to him afterwards.

But the news is good for #8, because he'll be in uniform tonight against the Hurricanes in Carolina. Good for him… and for the Canadiens.

Mike Matheson playing tonight

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 1, 2026

We know, after all, that the Habs need Matheson in the lineup. He's the team's blue-line general, and with Kaiden Guhle out, Matheson becomes even more important in Martin St-Louis' lineup.

It's also worth noting that Jakub Dobes will be in net for the Canadiens against the Hurricanes. It makes sense in a way, because it's been a long time since he's played, and he deserves his chance.

Jayden Struble will take Adam Engström's place:

Dobes starts, Struble in for Engstrom

– Eric Engels (@EricEngels) January 1, 2026

This will be a good test for Martin St-Louis' men, because the Hurricanes, on paper, have one of the good clubs in the National League.

But it's also a good opportunity for the Habs, because things haven't been going well in Carolina lately. The Canes have lost four of their last six games and have been struggling for consistent success in recent weeks.

It would be ideal to see the Habs come away with two points. The Montreal club has already collected six points out of eight since the start of its pre-holiday road trip, and it looks like the team is playing with some confidence right now.

I can't wait to see how Dobes responds tonight, that said. And I can't wait to see how the guys play in front of him too.

Because if they're able to help him and the goalie has a good game… it could lead to a really interesting result.

Extension

Let's not forget that the Canadiens are currently fighting for a playoff spot. The standings are tight in the East, and the competition is dog-eat-dog.

That's why I say it would be ideal to see the Habs pick up two more points tonight…