Hockey

Jakub Dobes: one of the few perfect NHL goalkeepers in September
Maxime Truman
Jakub Dobes: one of the few perfect NHL goalkeepers in September
Credit: Getty Images

Last year's practice camp was a disaster for the Canadiens. The guys weren't physically ready… the team collectively wasn't ready to start a season in the NHL… injuries that hurt the (fragile) morale of the troops… It's October – It Is October Yet – and it's fair to say that the years follow each other, but they're not alike. The CH have won four of their five preparatory games so far, and last night we saw just how ready the team seems to be to start the regular season in a week's time. Apart from the disaster at home against the Maple Leafs, the CH have put in some good performances on the ice: Lane Hutson, in particular, has four points in three games, as does Alex Newook. Cole Caufield, Ivan Demidov, Mike Matheson, Nick Suzuki and Alex Newhook each have three. Of course, there are always injuries that put a little stress on everyone (Dobson, Guhle, Reinbacher and Demidov?), but in terms of preparation – and team spirit – it's obvious: the Habs are more ready than they were this time last year. And the other before that…We've already got a good idea of who the defensemen will be who will start the season with the big club, and we'll be keeping an eye on Owen Beck, Oliver Kapanen, Samuel Blais, Joe Veleno and Florian Xhekaj between now and the end of the week… But in front of the net, the die is cast, and nothing goes further: Jakub Dobes will be the backup goaltender behind Samuel Montembeault to start the campaign.

(Credit: Getty Images)

The Czech didn't allow a goal in 60 minutes yesterday, nor did he in 31 minutes last week against the Flyers. Meanwhile, Kaapo Kahkonen, the only goaltender with a (small) chance of backing up Montembeault at the start of the season, let in four pucks on 34 shots. Dobes had a job to lose and Kahkonen, a job to win. Dobes lost nothing and Kahkonen won nothing. Infact, Dobes was the Habs ‘ best goalie in September, ahead of Fowler, Kahkonen and Montembeault. Itremains to be seen how many games Dobes – an unbeatable competitor who never gives up – will be able to play out of 82 regular games; Montembeault isn't scheduled to play 60 this year. Simply seeing the Habs start the season with Dobes rather than Primeau should give Martin St-Louis more rest for his number-one goaltender.

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– To be continued:

– The Habs are off today.

– Does this say a lot to you?

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