St-Louis Makes Surprising Changes Ahead Of Tonight's Game Vs Nashville Predators

While Samuel Montembeault would normally have been expected to be the starting goaltender tonight, and although the Quebec netminder is off to a tougher start this season, Martin St-Louis has caused a surprise by sending young Jakub Dobes into the action.

If Dobes delivers another fantastic game, don't be surprised if he earns more starts over the next few weeks, and don't be surprised if whispers start to emerge in the Montreal media about the Canadiens' goalies.

Samuel Montembeault, age 28, has a record of 2-1-0 so far this season, with a goals-against average of 2.97 and a save percentage of 0.870.

He's had a tougher start to the season, no doubt, but the season is still very young, and I have absolutely no doubt about Samuel's abilities as a number-one goaltender in the National Hockey League.

On the contrary, it might actually benefit him not to have to play every game, like at the start of last season when he was sharing duties with Cayden Primeau.

Jakub Dobes, age 24, is a 6-foot-4, 215-pound goaltender who was a fifth-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 2020.

He has a record of 1-0-0 so far this season, with a goals-against average of 1.00 and a save percentage of 0.968.

Also, the Canadiens just confirmed that Jayden Struble will suit up for his first game this season. Stay tuned for updates on who he'll be replacing.

More details to come.