Canadiens Should Give Dobes More Time Before Montembeault Starts
Montreal is weighing whether to start Sam Montembeault after Jakub Dobes allowed six goals in an overtime loss to Pittsburgh. The article argues the Canadiens should give Dobes a chance to rebound, pointing to his strong opener against Toronto and warning that quick goalie changes can hurt consistency. It also questions the decision to cut Jacob Fowler, whom the team appears to trust more than Montembeault.
Montreal’s current goalie debate follows a weekend overtime defeat to Pittsburgh in which Jakub Dobes surrendered six goals. The article notes Dobes had opened the season well against Toronto, while Sam Montembeault remained the backup after making the roster out of camp. It also recalls that Montembeault had fallen out of the rotation by last season’s trade deadline.
Jacob Fowler was cut at the end of preseason, after Montreal had used a Dobes-Fowler tandem in the playoffs; the move effectively made Montembeault the backup. With only ten back-to-back sets, including Buffalo and Washington on Oct. 13-14, the team must manage Dobes’ workload; he has never exceeded 51 professional games in a season.
This debate could shape how Canadiens fans and media treat young goaltenders, especially if quick changes are seen as undermining confidence. Players may face added scrutiny, while coaching decisions could influence team chemistry and public trust. A patient approach may calm discourse; a short leash could intensify calls for trades or lineup changes. The impact may remain within hockey culture, affecting supporters, athletes, and staff rather than broader society.