Canadiens' Dobes shuts out Panthers with 34 saves in NHL debut

Montreal Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes dazzled in his NHL debut Saturday, posting a 34-save shutout in a 4-0 victory over the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in Sunrise.

The 23-year-old was embraced by his teammates after the game.

Dobes is the fifth goalie in Canadiens history to record a shutout in his first big-league game, according to NHL.com's George Richards.

"I know how many goalies wore this jersey before me. It means so much to me that I can be part of this organization," he said postgame.

Dobes explained that he's worked with his mental coach to learn how to manage his "concentration calories" during a game; in other words, when to focus intensely and when to take a break. He stayed in his net during the TV timeouts Saturday rather than going to the bench, explaining that he doesn't like "disconnecting" from the game, even during pauses.

Montreal forward Alex Newhook praised Dobes when asked about him after the victory.

"We owe it to him," Newhook said. "I think (it was) a great game by our whole team, but to come in in your first game and get a shutout against that kind of a team is very impressive."

The Canadiens gave Dobes a decent amount of support with three tallies in the middle frame. Kirby Dach scored twice, while Jake Evans extended his goal streak to four games with a shorthanded marker.

Cole Caufield iced the contest on a partial break with less than six minutes remaining in the third period. Montreal beat Panthers backup goalie Spencer Knight four times on 24 shots.

Dobes faced at least 10 shots in every period, highlighted by a 14-save effort in the second stanza.

He saved 2.21 goals above expected at all strengths, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Montreal recalled Dobes from the AHL on Friday and officially placed Cayden Primeau on waivers for the purpose of a loan to the Laval Rocket on Saturday.

The Canadiens selected Dobes in the fifth round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

Montreal has now won four of its last five games. The Panthers, meanwhile, have dropped their last two contests by a score of 4-0.