Everything indicates that Jakub Dobes will have to sit out (again) tonight: it doesn’t look good

Yesterday, the Canadiens entrusted Jacob Fowler with the net. It was a good decision because he won. #ResultsLeague

Normally, it was Jakub Dobes' turn. At least, it would have been, based on the perfect rotation that had existed since the holidays.

But the European didn't play.

So we wondered if the plan was to play him tonight against the Panthers instead. But since the Panthers are a lot better than the Flames, it didn't make sense.

And now, this morning, Patrick Friolet has indicated that Samuel Montembeault, who is the only goaltender not to have skated at the Bell Centre a few hours before the game, is lining up to play tonight.

Long session with Eric Raymond for goalies Jakub Dobes and Jacob Fowler.

All indications are that Samuel Montembeault will be the starting goaltender tonight against the Panthers.

Martin St-Louis will confirm his starting lineup at a press briefing with reporters around 4 p.m.

– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) January 8, 2026

So what this means (if Monty plays) is that the order hasn't been altered: a round of the rotation has been skipped altogether to keep the two best goaltenders on the ice as often as possible.

Welcome back to a ménage à trois, everyone.

With the Habs playing the mighty Red Wings at home on Saturday, I find it hard to believe that Dobes would be the choice. I have a feeling they'll want to test Fowler.

That would make sense.

Does that mean Dobes would have to wait until Monday (against the Canucks, still at home) to play? Maybe that's the way it's going.

It doesn't look good for him right now.

extension

Obviously, there's a world in which Dobes is sent to the Laval Rocket before he can play another game with the Canadiens. It's not impossible.

But either way, we know that the ménage à trois won't last forever. It just remains to be seen who will get the axe.