The Montreal Canadiens are winning over hockey fans with their gutsy performances throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs thus far. The Canadiens had a difficult path to the Stanley Cup Final, but they were able to outplay the Tampa Bay Lightning and Buffalo Sabres when it mattered the most — Game 7. The Canadiens are now set to take on the Carolina Hurricanes, who are a perfect 8-0 in the playoffs, in the Eastern Conference Finals.
One player that has played a pivotal role in the Canadiens' run in these playoffs is goalie Jakub Dobes. The goalie is just one of two rookie goalies to ever win multiple Game 7s on the road in a single playoff run. Dobes has also showed off his personality during this run, joking that he enjoys being the "villain" when discussing Sabres fans mockingly chanting his name during their series, even thanking them for motivating him. It seems Dobes found more motivation.
During an interview on ESPN's SportsCenter, Dobes was asked about what viewers should expect from the Canadiens when they take on a "well-rested" Hurricanes team. Dobes said that based on the comments he heard on SportsCenter, the Canadiens are expected to be underdogs. Dobes said he likes the Canadiens being considered underdogs.
"We'll be ready to go. I was listening to you guys, looks like we’re the underdogs, so that’s perfect. We love to be the underdogs," said Dobes.
Jakub Dobes unfazed by ESPN’s Hurricanes prediction
Just like Michael Jordan during "The Last Dance" documentary, Dobes took the comments from ESPN personally. Some athletes like to block out the noise, while others use it to motivate themselves to play at the top of their game, especially in the playoffs. Dobes is doing just that.
There was obviously his comments about Sabres fans taunting him. Then, after a Game 7 win over the Lightning, Dobes revealed that his response to a chirping Nikita Kucherov was "I know you guys are nervous." The rookie hasn't let the moment be too big for him and he's not only shining, but he is confident.
Besides SportsCenter, ESPN NHL personalities aren't giving the Canadiens much of a chance against the Hurricanes. On a panel of 23, only two personalities picked the Canadiens to win, one in six games and the other in seven games. In terms of the consensus, 10 picked the Hurricanes to win in five games and 10 in six games. So, they're not exactly giving Montreal much of a chance.
The Hurricanes have made easy work of their opponents in these playoffs. Sure, you can criticize thir quality of opponents thus far, but going undefeated through the first two rounds of the playoffs is incredibly difficult. But the Canadiens have shown they are not afraid of taking on the tougher opponent. Their path in these playoffs has been tough, yet they persevered.
Before the series opener on Thursday night, Dobes has fully embraced the role of underdog.
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