In the 2026 NHL playoffs, rookie goalie Dobes has emerged as a significant contender for the prestigious Conn Smythe Trophy. He has made history by becoming only the second rookie goalie for the Montreal Canadiens to win at least six playoff games in a single postseason since 1986. The first was legendary Patrick Roy, who won 15 games in 1986.
Dobes: A Rookie with Impressive Stats
This postseason, Dobes has played a crucial role in his team’s success, arguably positioning himself as Montreal’s most valuable player. The Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player in the playoffs, has seen only a few rookie winners, including Roy in 1986 and Ken Dryden in 1971. Additionally, Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes (2006) and Ron Hextall of the Philadelphia Flyers (1987) are among the only other rookie goalies to win this esteemed accolade.
A Record of Excellence
Since 1993, when Roy claimed his second Conn Smythe Trophy, only seven goaltenders have received the playoff MVP award. The most recent was Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2021. Dobes now stands as a dark horse for the award due to several impressive statistics this postseason.
- Save Percentage in Close Games: Dobes has a remarkable .951 save percentage during third periods, making 77 saves on 81 shots. Notably, he has achieved 58 consecutive third-period saves, dating back to Game 4 against the Lightning.
- Postseason Comparison: Among goalies with at least 80 shots faced, Dobes boasts the second-best third-period save percentage over the last five seasons, just behind Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars, who recorded .953 in 2024.
- Performance in 5-on-5 Close Situations: Dobes has a .920 save percentage in tightly contested games, defined as instances where the score is tied in the first or second period, or when the score is within one goal in the third.
Notable Series Statistics
The Canadiens-Lightning series has been historically close, featuring seven consecutive one-goal games. This marks only the third occurrence in NHL playoff history. Previous instances include:
| Series | Year |
|---|---|
| New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals | 2015 |
| Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals | 2012 |
In fact, 98.7% of the series’ moments were either tied or within a one-goal margin, making it the second-highest percentage for a seven-game series. The only series that surpassed this record was the Capitals-Bruins in 2012, which reached 99.4%.
With metrics suggesting a remarkable performance, Dobes stands at a critical juncture as he vies for the Conn Smythe Trophy. His continued excellence will be key to Montreal’s playoff journey and his personal accolades.
