Jakub Dobes made an impressive NHL debut with 34 saves, leading the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-0 shutout victory over the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena. Dobes, a 23-year-old goalie recalled from the AHL’s Laval team, became only the fourth goalie in Canadiens history to achieve a shutout in his first game. Expressing his excitement, Dobes emphasized the importance of hard work and readiness in hockey. This victory added to Montreal’s recent success, marking their fourth win in five games and ending Florida’s nine-game home winning streak against them.
The game saw standout performances from Kirby Dach, who scored twice, and Jake Evans, who netted a short-handed goal. Dach opened the scoring in the second period with a goal off an unusual deflection and later extended the lead with a backhand on a breakaway. Evans capitalized on a neutral zone interception to make it 3-0, and Cole Caufield sealed the win with a third-period goal. The Canadiens played a cohesive and calculated game, with coach Martin St. Louis highlighting their disciplined and intelligent approach.
For the Panthers, it was a disappointing outing as they were shut out for the second consecutive game, following a similar loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Florida’s coach, Paul Maurice, acknowledged that the team failed to perform at their usual level, pointing to costly mistakes and a lack of energy. Spencer Knight made 21 saves in net for Florida, but the team struggled to find its rhythm. Panthers forward Sam Bennett stressed the importance of moving on from the loss and learning from their mistakes.
The win also marked a historic milestone for Dobes, who became the seventh goalie in NHL history to defeat the defending Stanley Cup champions in his debut and the first to do so since 2013. His performance was bolstered by strong defensive support from his teammates, allowing him to see and handle the puck effectively. Montreal’s disciplined effort highlighted their growth as a team, with players like Dach expressing confidence in their ability to compete against playoff-caliber opponents.
The Canadiens’ victory not only broke a long-standing losing streak in Florida but also showcased their resilience and potential for continued success. Meanwhile, the Panthers face challenges ahead, having been shut out four times in their last eight games. With upcoming matches, both teams will aim to build on their respective lessons from this encounter as they continue their seasons.
