Jakub Dobes may not share the storied legacy of Montreal Canadiens greats like Jacques Plante, Ken Dryden, Patrick Roy or Carey Price, but the 24-year-old Czech goaltender has carved out his own niche during the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs. Selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL draft, Dobes has risen from obscurity to become a cult favorite among Habs fans, particularly after standout performances in the second-round series against the Buffalo Sabres.[1][2]
His unorthodox style and infectious personality shone brightest in Game 3 on Sunday, a 6-2 victory that gave Montreal a 2-1 series lead. Even amid an offensive barrage from his teammates, Dobes made crucial stops to preserve the lead, including recovering from a scary collision with Sabres forward Beck Malenstyn.[3]
From late-round pick to playoff starter
Dobes entered the NHL far from the spotlight. Drafted 136th overall by the Canadiens in 2020, he spent years developing in the minors before breaking through with the AHL’s Laval Rocket in 2023-24. There, he posted a 24-18-6 record, .906 save percentage and 2.93 goals-against average over 51 games, earning a call-up to Montreal in December 2024.[1]
Initially slotted as Samuel Montembeault’s backup for the 2024-25 season, Dobes appeared in 15 games but remained in a supporting role. The 2025-26 campaign marked his breakthrough. As both he and Montembeault struggled early, Dobes steadied himself, seizing more starts after the Olympic break and clinching the No. 1 job heading into the playoffs.
His regular-season stats underscored the shift: 29 wins in 43 games, 2.78 GAA and .901 save percentage.[2] This hot streak ensured coach Martin St-Louis had no doubts about his postseason starter.
Dobes’ journey mirrors the Canadiens’ youth movement, blending grit with unpredictability.
Fans have embraced his rise, turning Jakub Dobes’ confident chirp into a talking point from earlier series wins.
Conquering the first round against Tampa Bay
Facing Vezina finalist Andrei Vasilevskiy and the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round tested Dobes immediately. Unfazed as a rookie, he elevated his game, culminating in a 28-save shutout performance in Game 7—a 2-1 victory despite Montreal managing just nine shots, a playoff record low for a winning team.[2]
This win made Dobes the fifth Canadiens goalie to triumph in a Game 7, joining legends like Price, Roy, Dryden and Plante. His poise under pressure propelled Montreal past a Lightning squad with two Stanley Cups.
The series highlighted Dobes’ athleticism and compete level. For detailed stats, check his NHL player page.[2]
Dobes’ first-round success echoed the high-stakes Canadiens-Lightning Game 7 thriller, where every save mattered.
Key moments in the Sabres series
Game 3 against Buffalo epitomized Dobes’ resilience. The Habs erupted for six goals, but Dobes still faced quality chances, stopping key shots to maintain the lead. In the second period, Malenstyn crashed the net, bowling over Dobes in a collision that drew gasps from the Bell Centre crowd—yet he popped up unfazed, sipping water and returning to action.[1]
“You don’t have time in this league to feel sorry,” Dobes said post-game. “You just stand up, take it on the chin… I just stood up and kept making saves.”
Over Games 2 and 3 versus Buffalo, he stopped 54 of 57 shots for a .947 save percentage and 1.50 GAA.[4] His third-period dominance continues, with a .951 SV% this postseason (77/81 saves), including 58 straight from Game 4 against Tampa.
Fans responded with “stop Dobes” signs and standing ovations, chanting “Ole, Ole, Ole”—mirroring the engraving on his mask.
The personality behind the pads
Dobes deflects hero worship with humor. “I’m not a hero. I’m just a goofy goalie who tries to stop pucks,” he quipped after Game 3. “I go home, eat, watch Game of Thrones and go to bed.” On the ice, his smile lit up the jumbotron late in the third, sending the crowd into frenzy; he replied with a laughing “Ça va.”
Teammate Cole Caufield praised his preparation: “He’s a funny kid… been huge for us all year. Unbelievable throughout these playoffs.” St-Louis focuses on results: “What I see is how he competes. He does the job.”[1]
Dobes’ wacky, aggressive style—agility in the crease, emotional play—sets him apart from stoic predecessors.
His charm has made him a fan favorite, boosting morale in a raucous Bell Centre.
Here’s a snapshot of his playoff stats through 10 games:
| GP | W-L | GAA | SV% | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 6-4 | 2.13 | .918 | 2nd-best GAA (5+ GP)[2] |
What Dobes means for the Canadiens’ future
Dobes’ emergence stabilizes a young roster pushing deep into playoffs. His 4-0 record post-loss (1.49 GAA, .948 SV%) shows bounce-back ability lacking earlier in his career.[4]
With Game 4 looming Thursday against Buffalo, Dobes’ consistency could extend Montreal’s run. For more on his impact, see the original THN feature.[1]
He doesn’t need to emulate the greats—he’s redefining the role on his terms.
As the series intensifies, Dobes’ blend of skill, grit and showmanship positions the Canadiens for more magic, thrilling fans dreaming of another Cup. His story underscores Montreal’s rebuild payoff, with brighter days ahead if he sustains this form.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.