The Montreal Canadiens will start Jakub Dobes in net against the St. Louis Blues on Sunday, with Samuel Montembeault sidelined by illness. Kaapo Kahkonen has been recalled from the Laval Rocket to serve as backup. The game at Bell Centre marks Dobes' second consecutive start after a strong performance against Toronto.
The Montreal Canadiens host the St. Louis Blues at the Bell Centre on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. ET, aiming to extend their two-game win streak. Coming off a 2-1 shootout victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, the Canadiens relied on their power play for the lone regulation goal and 22 saves from Dobes. Cole Caufield scored that goal and extended his point streak to 10 games, with season totals of 15 goals and 15 assists, one shy of his career-high streak of 11.
The Blues also won 2-1 on Saturday, defeating the Ottawa Senators behind Joel Hofer's 41 saves, snapping their two-game losing streak. Jake Neighbours scored both goals in that game and has five points (two goals, three assists) in nine games since returning from injury in November. However, forward Jordan Kyrou suffered a lower-body injury in the first period after a collision and did not return. The Blues sit seventh in the Central Division with 27 points.
Due to Montembeault's illness, Dobes earns the start for the second straight day. The 24-year-old has 10 wins in 15 games this season with a .895 save percentage. Kahkonen, 29, provides backup support after posting six wins in nine AHL games with the Laval Rocket. He has yet to play in the NHL this season and appeared in just one game last year with the Colorado Avalanche.
This matchup opens the season series, with a rematch scheduled for January 3 in St. Louis. The Canadiens skipped a morning skate, and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop via team social accounts.