Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
At the start of the season, Jakub Dobes posted outstanding numbers with the Montreal Canadiens.
It’s easy to forget, but in October, the rookie was even named NHL Goaltender of the Month.
However, a decision by Martin St-Louis abruptly halted that momentum.
The head coach insisted on naming and using Samuel Montembeault as the clear number-one goaltender.
Refusing to ride Dobes’ hot streak had direct consequences on the team’s success and on the goalie’s performance as well.
This goalie management not only cost valuable points in the standings, but also hurt the young goaltender’s confidence.
Between November 1 and March 6, Dobes endured a very long slump in net.
Did Martin St-Louis’ decision cost Jakub Dobes the Calder Trophy?
During that stretch, the goaltender fell among the worst in the league in terms of save percentage.
Forcing a pre-established hierarchy instead of rewarding performance had a significant negative impact on the team.
Fortunately, since March 7, the October version of Dobes is officially back in top form.
It’s fascinating to wonder where the Montreal Canadiens would be if the staff had shown more flexibility and more trust in Dobes early in the season.
Had he maintained his early-season pace, Dobes would undoubtedly be in the heart of the Calder Trophy race.
The Montreal organization will need to learn important lessons from this internal misjudgment.
Take a look at the numbers here it’s simply incredible!
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Martin St-Louis’ decision involving Montembeault may have cost Jakub Dobes the Calder Trophy
Did Martin St-Louis’ goalie decision hurt Jakub Dobes’ Calder chances?