Montreal Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis has decided to start Jakub Dobeš against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night, wrapping up a four-game road trip.
Why is Jakub Dobeš starting in goal over Jacob Fowler in Dallas?
Jacob Fowler has started the last three games of the road trip, stopping 99 of 101 shots for a .980 save percentage, including a 46-save shutout in a 2-0 win over the St. Louis Blues. Despite Fowler winning six consecutive games and posting a 1.54 goals-against average with a .942 save percentage, St. Louis pointed to workload management, travel, and the recent heavy schedule as reasons to turn to Dobeš.
It’s a bit of everything,
St. Louis told reporters in Dallas on Thursday, referencing Fowler’s workload, travel, and the busy stretch. You try to factor that into your decisions.
Conversely, it has been noted that rolling with Dobeš risks cooling off a hot goaltender, noting that Dobeš has lost his last four starts and carries an .847 save percentage and a 4.47 goals-against average.
How has Jakub Dobeš performed since his last start on October 20?
Dobeš has not played since allowing four goals on 26 shots in a 4-3 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on Oct. 20 at the Bell Centre. During that game, Dobeš took an interference penalty in overtime, leading to Macklin Celebrini’s game-winning power-play goal for San Jose. That defeat dropped Dobeš’s season record to 1-2-2.
Jakub Dobes obtiendra le départ à Dallas jeudiJakub Dobes will get the start in Dallas on Thursday#GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/IfQQqhOdvC
The upcoming start carries significant financial context. This summer, the Canadiens signed the 25-year-old Dobeš to a three-year, US$16.05-million contract extension that kicks in next season with an annual cap hit of US$5.35 million. He is earning US$965,000 this season.
What challenges do the Dallas Stars present on home ice?
The Dallas Stars enter the matchup allowing an average of just 2.00 goals per game, ranking first in the NHL in that category. Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger holds a .929 save percentage through nine starts with three shutouts. Dallas limits opponents to an average of 22.2 shots per game.
The Canadiens hold a 7-3-2 record after defeating St. Louis, sitting second in the Atlantic Division behind the Boston Bruins. Montreal and Dallas split their two meetings last season, with Dobeš pulled in a 7-0 loss at the Bell Centre on Nov. 13 after allowing five goals on 13 shots before Samuel Montembeault took over.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the game broadcast?
The game starts at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday and is broadcast on TSN2 and RDS in the Montreal region, with streaming available on TSN+, RDS, and ESPN+ in the United States.
Team rosters and stats ahead of tonight's game between the Canadiens and Stars in Dallas (8 p.m., TSN2, RDS). Jakub Dobes will start in goal for #Habs: pic.twitter.com/GnMJEHSaAh
What lineup changes did Martin St. Louis make at practice?
Alex Newhook moved up to center the top line between Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky, replacing Oliver Kapanen. Defenceman Mike Matheson and forward Chris Kreider took therapy days at practice on Wednesday but Kreider is expected to play.
When do the Canadiens play next at home?
The Canadiens return to Montreal to face the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday at the Bell Centre for the first of three straight home games.