The numbers are impossible to ignore: Jakub Dobes has taken Samuel Montembeault’s job
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
Everything indicates that Samuel Montembeault has lost his job as the number one goaltender.
Numbers never lie in this league, and the verdict is in.
Jakub Dobes is on an absolutely scorching run, posting an impressive 8-0-1 record over his last nine starts.
His 38-save performance against the Sabres on Saturday night likely sealed the debate for good.
It was a display of calm and technical precision that reassured everyone on the coaching staff.
You have to face the truth about Samuel Montembeault, whose status changed drastically this morning.
The door cracked open a few weeks ago, and the young goaltender burst through it without ever looking back.
Martin St-Louis no longer really has the luxury of being sentimental with his starting lineup.
All signs point to the towering Czech getting the nod tonight against the Wild in Minnesota in a tough matchup.
Stu Cowan summed up the current situation around the Montreal club perfectly.
"I think it’s safe to say he’s team’s No. 1 goalie now." - Stu Cowan, about Jakub Dobes
It’s fair to say Dobes is now the trusted man and the true number one for this organization down the stretch.
Samuel Montembeault has officially lost his job as the Montreal Canadiens’ number one goaltender, according to Stu Cowan
It’s not very complicated for Dobes right now, you keep the net as long as you give your teammates the best chance to earn two points in the standings.
With a salary that demands solid performances, the pressure was heavy on Montembeault’s shoulders this season.
Unfortunately for the Quebecer, consistency wasn’t there when it mattered most.
It will be interesting to see how Montembeault handles this major demotion in the depth chart.
His professionalism will be tested, because he has to stay ready if the momentum swings back again.
The official announcement expected at noon will only be an administrative formality to confirm the obvious, at least in my humble opinion: Dobes will be named the starter.
Do you agree with that?
Also read on Montreal Hockey Fanatics :
Martin St-Louis makes first decision ahead of tonight’s game in Minnesota as goalie decision looms
Martin St-Louis makes first decision ahead of tonight’s game in Minnesota as goalie decision looms
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 2|1384 ANSWERS The numbers are impossible to ignore: Jakub Dobes has taken Samuel Montembeault’s job Will Jakub Dobes keep the number one job until the end of the season? | ||
| Yes | 1277 | 92.3 % |
| No | 107 | 7.7 % |
| List of polls | ||