Jakub Dobes shuts out Florida Panthers in stunning NHL debut
- Jakub Dobes made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens, stopping 34 shots.
- Kirby Dach recorded his first two-goal game in nearly two years, contributing to the 4-0 win.
- Dobes became the first Canadiens goalie to achieve a shutout in his debut since 2005.
In Sunrise, Florida, on December 28, 2024, the Montreal Canadiens faced off against the Florida Panthers. Jakub Dobes, a 23-year-old goaltender from the Czech Republic, had a remarkable NHL debut. He stopped 34 shots, becoming the first goaltender to achieve a shutout against the defending Stanley Cup champions in his first game since Daren Puppa did so in 1985. The Canadiens secured a dominant 4-0 victory, showcasing strong performances from key players. Kirby Dach had his first two-goal game in nearly two years, and Cole Caufield added another goal, capping off a successful night for the team. The game marked Florida’s second consecutive shutout loss, a rare occurrence for the team as they struggled to find offensive momentum, having been blanked back-to-back for the first time since 2003. Additionally, the Panthers' previous game against Tampa Bay on December 23 ended in a similar 4-0 defeat. Canadiens' Jake Evans scored a critical short-handed goal late in the second period, bringing the contest further out of reach for the struggling Panthers. This game highlighted the Canadiens' competitiveness in the league while raising concerns about Florida's offensive capabilities. Both teams are looking to improve their standings, with the Canadiens set to play Tampa Bay next. Meanwhile, the Panthers remained at home to face the New York Rangers in their upcoming game, hoping to turn their fortunes around despite these recent setbacks.