Many Montreal Canadiens fans worried that they were about to see another poor showing from Jakub Dobes on Sunday night when he allowed a goal early. However, he went on to stop 36 of 37 shots from the Nashville Predators, which is a massive improvement on his last two starts, where he allowed 11 goals on 65 shots. Whether he was feeling the heat from Jacob Fowler's signing or found something in his game, it's a great sign for the Canadiens.
The HabsOnReddit X account shared some eye-opening comments from Dobes' post-game media scrum on Sunday night. Dobes was rock solid against the Predators, and his unwavering confidence and steadiness are contributing to his success. Despite the struggles, Dobes approaches every game with a fresh mindset, a valuable quality to have.
Jakub Dobes: “I’m happy everyday that I’m here. There are only 64 goalies in this league. I’m one of them.”
Reporter: “Is it a challenge to stay ready?”
Jakub Dobes: “I mean, is it? I don’t think so. I’m living the dream. I don’t know how many people wanna be in my shoes…”
Dobes' knows he is playing with house money this season. The Canadiens were seemingly locked into the tandem of Sam Montembeault and Cayden Primeau, but Dobes' play in Laval and Primeau's struggles accelerated his NHL debut. Dobes knows that he isn't supposed to be riding the private charters this season, and his future is uncertain. Why not embrace it all and just enjoy the ride?
Reporter: “The 1st period was tough. What does it say about the group that you were able to bounce back after this?”
Jakub Dobes: “That we are ready for the playoffs.”
The coldest comment from the scrum was his claim that the team is ready for the playoffs. Your backup goalie stopping 36 of 37 shots and dropping that quote tells us everything we need to know about this team's swagger heading into the postseason.
It'll be a great sign if the rest of the Canadiens can absorb this mindset from Dobes. This mindset for a backup goalie is also good, which opens up an interesting conversation when Fowler is ready for the promotion. Is Dobes the perfect No. 2 goalie of the future, leaving Montembeault on the outside looking in?