Jakub Dobes

Jakub Dobes, G – Montréal Canadiens

Performance

Dobes has been one of the more compelling stories of the 2026 playoffs, carrying a heavy workload across five consecutive starts against Buffalo and Carolina, including two overtime games and one that extended past 71 minutes. The stat data for individual game lines is incomplete, but context from recent coverage tells the story: he backstopped Montreal past Buffalo in the first round and has now split the first two games of the Carolina series, making 23 saves in a Game 2 overtime loss in which he allowed three goals and publicly took responsibility for the result. The bounce-back pattern — performing well after difficult outings — has drawn legitimate attention.

What People Are Saying

The New York Times highlighted his "historic rookie run of bounce-back playoff wins," framing him as a legitimate franchise piece rather than a stopgap. Montreal Hockey Fanatics ran two separate pieces in one day — one on a blunt postgame admission where Dobes blamed himself for the OT loss, another on an emotional exchange with a referee during Game 2 that drew widespread attention. Czech outlet iSport.cz noted a chaotic penalty situation during the same game. MarkerZone flagged a clip generating broader controversy, though details remain vague. Sentiment is mixed: respect for his accountability and composure under pressure, some concern about emotional control and high-leverage goals allowed.

Outlook

Dobes is firmly establishing himself as Montreal's starter of the present and near future — a 2020 draft pick now delivering in the playoffs as a rookie is exactly the development arc the Canadiens needed. His ability to respond after the Game 2 loss will define how scouts and fans assess his ceiling.

**Watch:** How Dobes responds in Game 3 against Carolina — specifically save percentage in high-danger situations.