Dobes back in net vs Sharks as debate grows: Canadiens evening report

As the day winds down in Montreal, the spotlight is squarely on the blue paint: Jakub Dobes is getting another chance to steady the crease when the Canadiens host the San Jose Sharks at the Bell Centre.

Dobes gets the nod and teammates show trust

La Presse reports that Dobes, who had been held out of four of the last five games, is back in goal. Sportsnet adds more context from the room, noting that forward Juraj Slafkovsky highlighted Dobes’ mentality despite a rough recent stretch. According to Sportsnet, Slafkovsky says he wants to be a difference-maker every night and emphasizes that he and his teammates have a lot of trust in all their goaltenders, expecting Dobes to bounce back.

Sportsnet also notes that Adam Engstrom and Dobes are drawing into the lineup against the Sharks, confirming that the young netminder will get his opportunity in front of the home crowd to reset his season.

A familiar crease dilemma in Montreal

The Hockey Writers frame the current situation in goal as something Canadiens fans have seen before. With Jacob Fowler impressing early in the 2026–27 season and Dobes battling for consistency, the outlet suggests the organization may be facing a “familiar dilemma” in net. They explicitly compare the emerging Fowler–Dobes discussion to past debates like Carey Price versus Jaroslav Halak, without predicting how this one will ultimately play out.

In a separate piece, The Hockey Writers bring Jacques Plante back into the conversation, pointing out that November is perhaps the most important month for today’s NHL goaltenders, even if many may not know why. The article ties that reflection back to Plante, underlining once again how closely the Canadiens’ goalie position is linked to the franchise’s history.

Sharks in town and where the Habs stand

The Sharks visit the Bell Centre Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Montreal time, with the Canadiens sitting 7th in the Atlantic Division at 4-3-1, good for 9 points in 8 games. Beyond the standings, this matchup is a chance for the Habs to bank points against a Western opponent and, above all, for Dobes to show he can stabilize the crease at a moment when every start feels like a new chapter in the Canadiens’ latest goaltending saga.