VANCOUVER | Jakub Dobes has had a smoldering start to the season, just like last season when he arrived just after Christmas.
The 24-year-old Czech has won five starts and is near the top of the NHL goalie statistics. Among goalies with at least five games played, he ranks first in save percentage (.940) and third in save average (1.77). He conceded nine goals in five matches. On Saturday against the Canucks, he allowed more than two goals for the first time in a 4-3 win, and he had nothing to complain about in the Canucks net.
His figures are reminiscent of last season's figures. After being recalled from the Laval Rocket, he won five games in a row, during which he conceded eight goals. He had a 1.55 batting average and a .941 save percentage.
It then became dirty. He started ten more games, posting a 2-4-3 record (he was removed from one game) with a 3.39 goals per game and .895 save percentage, while allowing 32 goals.
Constance
For Dobes there are 5 to choose frome Ronde (136e) in 2020 the challenge will be to find consistency this season.
What is encouraging is that he exudes more confidence in front of goal, but above all, he is more consistent in his movements. Last season, his style sometimes resembled that of a stuntman. This year he is making more fluid lateral movements and fighting the puck less.
If he continues to gain momentum, he may force Czech team chief executive Jiri Sleg to reconsider his cards ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics next winter.
We are clearly not talking about giving him the position of first goalkeeper. The Ducks' Lukas Dostal was confirmed as a starter last summer, and Mammoth's Karel Wejmelka is a logical candidate at linebacker. But Dobs could sneak in and get the third guard position.
