The Montreal Canadiens face off against the Seattle Kraken tonight for the second time this season. Head coach Martin St-Louis has chosen Jakub Dobes as the starting goalie. This decision comes as Dobes has shown stronger performance than Samuel Montembeault since the season began.
Jakub Dobes’ Stellar Net Performance
Coach St-Louis stated, “He is in a zone where it’s hard not to take advantage of that.” This remark highlights the rising confidence in Dobes as he steps onto the ice. Last time these two teams met was during the local season opener at the Bell Centre, where Cole Caufield clinched victory in overtime against Joey Daccord.
Team Performances
Both the Canadiens and the Kraken have had solid starts to the season. Seattle remains unbeaten at home with a record of 3-0. The team recently achieved two consecutive victories over the formidable Winnipeg Jets and the Edmonton Oilers. Seattle boasts a season record of 5-2-2, marking their best start in franchise history.
Coaching Insights
St-Louis emphasized the work ethic of the Kraken, commenting, “It’s a team that works hard. They bring the pressure. You have to be calculated.” This assessment reflects the challenges Montreal will face this evening.
Injury Reports
Both teams are navigating injuries. Montreal has lost defenseman Kaiden Guhle and forward Patrik Laine. Meanwhile, Seattle will be missing Jared McCann, who is currently on the injured list. This situation has opened the door for rookie Berkly Catton, selected eighth overall in the 2024 draft, to join the first line with Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle. Catton has recorded two assists in four games since debuting.
Projected Lineup
Here’s how the projected lineups look for both teams:
Montreal Canadiens
- Forwards: Caufield, Suzuki, Slafkovsky, Newhook, Kapanen, Demidov, Anderson, Evans, Gallagher, Dach, Veleno, Bolduc
- Defense: Matheson, Carrier, Struble, Hutson, Xhekaj
- Goalie: Dobes
Seattle Kraken
- Forwards: Catton, Beniers, Eberle, Marchment, Stephenson, Tolvanen, Schwartz, Wright, Nyman, Kartye, Meyers, Winterton
- Defense: Dunn, Larsson, Mahura, Oleksiak
- Goalie: Daccord
As the Canadiens complete their four-game West Coast trip, all eyes will be on Jakub Dobes and how he manages the Kraken’s aggressive style of play. The stakes are high, and both teams aim to solidify their positions early in the season.
