Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Montreal Canadiens Sam Montembeault was the team's clear starter. He has been one of the most underrated goaltenders in the NHL since being picked up off waivers by the Habs. Montembeault has been a steady presence throughout the regular season, as well as in the Stanley Cup playoffs last spring.

Jakub Dobes Winning Goalie Battle in Montreal

As for the backup situation, despite adding veteran Kaapo Kahkonen in the offseason, the position was always Jakub Dobes' to lose. Dobes burst onto the scene for Montreal last season and won each of his first four NHL starts. He was recalled from the AHL's Laval Rocket after Cayden Primeau faltered to begin the year. However, Dobes showed inconsistencies and wasn't ready to challenge for the starter's role. So far

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