Dobes rebounds in Game 5 as Canadiens edge Sabres 6-3

The Montreal Canadiens secured a crucial 6-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference second-round series on May 14, 2026, at KeyBank Center.[1][2] Starting goaltender Jakub Dobes endured a rocky beginning, surrendering three goals on the first four shots faced. Yet head coach Martin St. Louis’ decision to stick with the 24-year-old rookie proved pivotal, as Dobes stopped 33 of 36 shots to help Montreal seize a 3-2 series lead.[3]

This win positions the Canadiens one victory from advancing to the Eastern Conference final against the Carolina Hurricanes, with Game 6 set for Saturday night at Bell Centre. Dobes’ resilience mirrored his strong regular season, where he finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting, and highlighted his growing poise in the high-stakes playoffs.

A chaotic opening frame sets the tone

The first period unfolded in frenzy, with five goals scored in the opening 10:15. Buffalo struck first through Jason Zucker, whose shot caromed off Canadiens defenseman Mike Matheson, followed by Josh Doan’s one-timer and Konsta Helenius’ soft wrister that slipped through Dobes’ legs at 10:15, putting the Sabres up 3-2.[1][3]

Montreal responded with goals from Cole Caufield and Josh Anderson to keep it close. The period’s chaos tested Dobes early, as he later reflected on “a couple tough bounces lately.”[2] St. Louis consulted interim goaltending coach Marco Marciano midway through, opting not to pull his starter despite the shaky metrics.

This moment echoed historical NHL decisions where coaches trusted young netminders in adversity. Dobes admitted post-game the need for improved body language: “I’ve just got to have better body language for the boys—don’t let them know that I’m not feeling maybe my best.”[2]

The Sabres’ early dominance stemmed from exploiting turnovers, but Montreal’s firepower prevented a blowout. Buffalo goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen faced pressure too, setting up the second-period turnaround.

St. Louis empowers his staff in critical call

St. Louis deferred to Marciano’s expertise, explaining, “Ultimately it’s probably my decision… but I feel like the goaltending position is the one position that I can’t help much.”[2] This empowerment paid dividends, as Dobes reset in the locker room.

The coach praised the chaotic period’s mutual sloppiness: “The first period was very chaotic on both sides.” His faith mirrored Dobes’ response: “I told him thank you for leaving me and trying to prove myself. That’s a big part, to have your trust of your coach.”[2]

Such trust builds confidence in rookies, much like Patrick Roy’s storied Canadiens tenure. For details on Dobes’ full playoff journey, check our piece on how Jakub Dobes emerges as unexpected hero for Canadiens in 2026 playoffs.

Montreal’s staff cohesion shone, contrasting Buffalo’s later crisis when Luukkonen was yanked after allowing five goals on 23 shots.[1]

Dobes’ second-half dominance shifts momentum

Dobes locked in post-intermission, denying Tage Thompson on a breakaway in the second period’s opening minute with a sprawling left-pad extension.[4][2] “We were only down by one goal. And I feel like that gave us a little bit of momentum,” Dobes said.

Montreal then erupted for three unanswered goals: Jake Evans at 3:45, Nick Suzuki 10 seconds into a power play, and more to build a 5-3 lead. Ivan Demidov added insurance in the third, with Alex Lyon relieving Luukkonen but conceding once.

Key stats for Dobes:

• 33 saves on 36 shots (.917 SV%)
• 32 consecutive stops after first period
• Zero goals allowed in final two periods

Teammates rallied, outshooting Buffalo while Dobes stonewalled threats. His mental reset proved vital, as captain Nick Suzuki noted his off-ice preparation.

Teammates rally behind their backbone

Suzuki lauded Dobes: “He’s super confident in himself… He’s a fighter, he wants to be in the battle with the guys. He’s got the perfect kind of attitude.”[3] Defenseman Mike Matheson added, “He continues to show a lot of maturity… It’s really impressive. It’s mental strength.”

Forward Juraj Slafkovsky credited St. Louis’ trust for boosting Dobes’ confidence. The top line dominated, with Suzuki (1G, 2A), Slafkovsky (3A), and Caufield (1G) combining for key production.

Buffalo’s goaltending woes mirrored their series struggles, now facing elimination. For a full recap, see the NHL.com game story.[2]

Dobes’ growth aligns with his Calder contention, solidifying his role amid early-season questions.

Path to the conference final in sight

With the series shifting home, Montreal eyes closure in Game 6. A win sends them against Carolina, testing Dobes further. His Game 5 lesson in composure could define the playoffs.

Buffalo must regroup, but the Canadiens’ depth and Dobes’ resilience position them favorably. As St. Louis empowers his core, Montreal’s young guns aim to extend their surprising run—what started shaky ended triumphant, proving trust’s power in playoffs.