The Rise and fall: A Goalie’s Journey in the NHL Spotlight

Jakub Dobeš, once hailed as the next great Czech goaltender in the NHL, is now facing a barrage of criticism after a promising start with the Montreal Canadiens. His initial success quickly turned into a battle for ice time, highlighting the volatile nature of professional sports and the intense scrutiny faced by young players.

A Dazzling Debut

Dobeš made a memorable entrance into the NHL, achieving a rare feat in Montreal’s history by recording a shutout in one of his first two starts. These initial games were against formidable opponents, including the Florida Panthers, the 2024 Stanley Cup champions, and the Colorado Avalanche, who claimed the title in 2022.This extraordinary start saw him secure five wins and challenge Sam Montembeault, the Canadiens’ established number one goalie, for playing time.

During January, Dobeš participated in eight games, just two fewer than Montembeault, and even boasted superior statistics. This performance suggested a potential shift in the Canadiens’ goaltending hierarchy.

The Shift in Momentum

Though, the early momentum didn’t last. Following a series of less impressive performances, Dobeš found himself relegated to a backup role. in February and March, he only played seven games compared to Montembeault’s seventeen, indicating a clear preference from the coaching staff as Montreal fought for a playoff spot. As of the end of the 2024-2025 season,the canadiens are currently sitting outside of a playoff position,highlighting the importance of strong goaltending down the stretch.

Despite the reduced playing time, Dobeš maintained a save percentage of nearly 90% across 14 games.Advanced statistics, such as those tracked by MoneyPuck, suggest he performed slightly above expectations, further complicating the narrative surrounding his performance.

Under the Microscope: Media and Expert Analysis

While some might view dobeš’s performance as promising for a young goalie, the demanding Montreal media has been less forgiving. Critics have pointed to his draft position (136th overall in 2020) as evidence of underlying weaknesses in his game.

Analyst Pierre McGuire, on his podcast The Sick, offered a notably harsh assessment:

There is a problem in his catching. Coaches and generally people from the league surroundings already know that if you raise the puck, you give this guy a lot of goals. He goes down too early. The NHL shooters no longer try to overcome him on the ice. They give everything up.
Pierre McGuire, The Sick Podcast

McGuire acknowledged that criticism is part of the learning process for young players entering the NHL. He expressed confidence that Dobeš can improve with the help of the Canadiens’ coaching staff, particularly goaltending coach Eric Raymond, who previously worked with Igor Shesterkin, the New York rangers’ star goalie.

The Future in Montreal: uncertainty in the Crease

The Canadiens face several key decisions regarding their goaltending situation in the coming months. Dobeš’s contract is expiring, as is that of cayden Primeau, who has struggled to establish himself as a reliable backup. Adding to the complexity is the emergence of Jacob Fowler, a highly touted 20-year-old prospect who is currently excelling at the university level. Fowler’s performance is drawing attention and fueling speculation about his potential arrival in Montreal.

Montembeault, who is under contract until the summer of 2027, appears to have a secure position as the team’s number one goalie. Though, the long-term future of the Canadiens’ goaltending remains uncertain, with Dobeš’s performance and advancement playing a crucial role in shaping the team’s strategy.