Author: Dose

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O.J.: Jakub Dobes says Czech Republic officials don’t reply to his e-mails

With the start to the season he’s had, it’s fair to assume that Jakub Dobes is on the Czech Republic’s radar for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Lukas Dostal’s place has already been confirmed with the club… but Dobes could also make the team as #2 goalkeeper.

He’s showing he’s got the talent to make the Olympics, after all.

Arpon Basu mentioned to him that he’d seen the Czech Republic’s head coach say that Dobes is a guy to consider for the competition, and the Canadiens’ goalie’s response is… interesting.

Here’s what he said:

They (the leaders of the Czech hockey program) don’t even answer my e-mails. – Jakub Dobes

Basu explains the background well on his podcast: no club in the Czech Republic wanted Dobes when he was younger, forcing him to move to the U.S. to continue his development.

Dobes has never played for the Czech national team… and it’s clear that the Czech federation’s lack of recognition for the goalkeeper bothers him a little.

It’s only natural that Dobes should feel let down by his own country.

He was forced to move to the States to play because nobody wanted him when he was younger in the Czech Republic… and that’s bound to leave its mark in the end.

Dobes doesn’t even go back to his homeland in the summer, unlike a lot of guys who come from Europe: instead, he wants to spend time in St. Louis, which is where he had to move when he was 15 to live his dream of playing hockey.

I wonder what he’ll say if the Czech coaches tell him they’d like to have him on the team for the Olympics.

Because let’s agree on one thing: taking part in the Games isn’t for everyone, either…

Overtime

– Logical.

– Attention all interested parties:

– Sick.

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Five overtime wins after 12 games: a first in NHL history

The Montreal Canadiens’ 9-3-0 record after 12 games is truly impressive.

It’s been a dream start to the season for the Habs and their fans, as Martin St-Louis’ troupe finds itself in first place in the Atlantic Division and tied for first place in the East with the New Jersey Devils.

However, this magnificent record doesn’t tell the whole story, given that five of these nine victories could very well have ended up in the last slot on the record, which would have looked like 4-3-5.

Let’s just say it would be a very different situation, and there wouldn’t be as much positivity surrounding the Bleu Blanc et Rouge.

Fortunately, the Canadiens have excelled in overtime so far this season, picking up ten points with five 3-on-3 wins.

What’s even more impressive is that five overtime wins after the first 12 games of the season is a first in NHL history.

Indeed, the Habs are the first team in history to record five overtime wins through their first 12 games of a season.

That’s quite a feat, and shows just how unique and exciting the Habs’ start to the season really is.

Of course, it can also be seen as a cause for concern that the Habs can’t often win games on a regular basis, but in the end, the important thing right now is to rack up the points.

Perhaps at the end of the season, the fact that the Habs have fewer regular wins (RV) will work against them in a potential tie-breaker in the standings, but so far, there’s nothing to worry about.

It’s a very telling record for the Canadiens, as it shows just how much talent and confidence there is in the team right now.

These five overtime victories also tell part of the story of the Habs season in terms of the team’s fighting spirit.

The Habs were always in the hunt in every one of their games, and were never downgraded, even in their three losses, which could easily have been victories.

The Habs always play close games, and are never beaten, while very often finding a way to get back into the game and come out on top.

In short, the Canadiens’ hockey this season has been REALLY fun so far.

Overtime

– Bravo!

– It’s understandable.

– Well said.

– Phew.

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62.5% on A.N. since October 25: the Ivan Demidov effect

The powerplay has long been a weakness of the Montreal Canadiens in recent years.

It was an element that needed constant work and improvement, yet it continued to be lacking in every game.

But now, finally, the Habs seem to have reached an elite level.

In fact, this season, the powerplay is working really well, and it’s only getting better, especially over the last few games.

Why in recent games?

Because Martin St-Louis finally inserted Ivan Demidov on the first power-play wave in place of Zachary Bolduc.

And since that change on October 25th, the Habs’ powerplay has been running at 62.5%.

In three games, the Habs have scored five times in eight chances on the N.A., and that’s not a fluke, it’s really thanks to the talent that’s overflowing on this first wave.

There’s incredible chemistry between the five guys on the ice.

Ivan Demidov adds a lot of creativity and variety on the powerplay, and it’s obvious how that makes the Habs quintet even more threatening.

It makes for some beautiful plays, like last night’s by Juraj Slafkovsky.

In short, 62.5% on the powerplay is obviously untenable, but it’s still irrefutable proof that Ivan Demidov belongs on the first wave.

Moreover, since this change, the Habs have climbed to 6th in the entire NHL in terms of powerplay efficiency with 28.6%.

Only the Oilers, Devils, Penguins, Stars and Wild do better than the Habs.

It’s great to finally have a formidable five-man attack in Montreal, and it makes Habs games all the more exciting.

Overtime

– A well-deserved day off.

– Incredible.

– Read more.

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The Habs’ talent and depth saved Samuel Montembeault last night

Once again last night, the Montreal Canadiens escaped with two points thanks to a spectacular and dramatic overtime victory.

Indeed, the Habs once again found a way to get out of it, giving us a magnificent 4-3 overtime victory over a great division rival, the Ottawa Senators.

The Habs won again, but things could have been very different had it not been for the fighting spirit and, above all, the talent of Martin St-Louis’ team.

Because in the end, one thing was once again painfully clear from last night’s game: Samuel Montembeault is not at the top of his game.

The Québécois goalkeeper allowed three goals on 17 Senators shots, and let’s just say it’s three goals Montembeault would certainly like to see again, even if he was more unlucky on the second goal than anything else.

Montembeault looked bad on two goals, and both could have cost the Habs the win, and more importantly, extended Monty’s losing streak to three in a row.

Fortunately, the Québécois netminder’s team-mates found a way to get back into the game and win in brilliant fashion.

The Habs have a lot of talent, and above all, a lot of depth, which clearly saved Samuel Montembeault from harsh criticism last night.

All the players in Martin St-Louis’ line-up seem to be able to make a difference, and that’s really a great strength.

Whether it’s the first line, Ivan Demidov or Alex Newhook, the Habs always have a solution, as we saw last night.

It’s a real change from the long years when the Habs were a team almost always saved by their goaltender.

This season, it’s the opposite, and that’s refreshing, except of course for Samuel Montembeault, who currently has the second-worst goals-against average behind Linus Ullmark, his opponent last night.

In short, if Monty can get back on track, and the Habs continue to play like this and have the answer to almost everything, the Canadiens will be even more dominant than they already are.

Now, what else can I take away from this fine Habs victory?

1. Alex Newhook is a completely different player from last season.

The CH’s #15 was REALLY disappointing in 2024-2025 with his 26 points in 82 games, and let’s just say we’d given up on him quite a bit for a potential impact player.

But this season, Newhook is on fire, and seems to be full of confidence.

He’s playing great hockey, and producing at a very good pace, already boasting five goals and nine points in 12 games.

In 12 games, he already has a third of the goals he scored in 82 games last season.

Of course, Newhook may not maintain a 61-point pace all season, but it’s still nice to see him perform like this.

2. Ivan Demidov is a gem.

The young Russian is truly a sight to behold, as he impresses us more and more with each game we see him grow in confidence.

Of course, at 19 years of age, it’s only natural that he’s not perfect, but who cares considering all the talent he brings to the table?

He’s magic and we’re lucky to have him.

3. The Canadiens have just four regular wins.

The Habs have an incredible 9-3-0 record, but five of those wins have come in overtime.

Of course, that doesn’t matter right now, and it’s great that the Habs are unbeatable in overtime, but we’ll just have to keep an eye on it, since regular wins (RV) represent the second tie-breaker in the standings after points percentage.

The Habs will be in a big playoff race this season, so at some point, it will be important to rack up RVs too.

Overtime

– It’s hard to swallow.

– Indeed. What a great win by the Alouettes.

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Top-5: Brad Marchand scores an emotional goal, dedicating it to his friend’s deceased daughter

It was a busy day in the National Hockey League yesterday, with 13 games on the schedule.

While virtually all the attention of sports fans was riveted on the Blue Jays’ defeat, the NHL continued to offer us some fine highlights.

Without further ado, here’s a rundown of the previous day’s highlights.

1. An emotional goal for Brad Marchand

Earlier this week, the young daughter of one of Brad Marchand’s friends sadly passed away from cancer.

In the wake of this news, the Panthers forward took time off from his NHL team to coach a U18 game to help this grieving friend.

It’s a beautiful gesture on Marchand’s part, and it continued last night, when he dedicated his goal to his friend’s deceased daughter.

Marchand pointed to the sky after scoring his goal, giving us a very touching moment, while showing us what a big heart he has, even though he’s known as a pest throughout the NHL.

In the shootout, Marchand scored the winning goal to give his team a 4-3 victory over the Dallas Stars.

2. Artur Silovs throws his stick to deny Kyle Connor a goal

Any technique or strategy is good for keeping the opposition from scoring, and Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Arturs Silovs understands this.

Last night, in a 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, the Penguins were guilty of a bizarre sequence in which Silovs tried to deny Kyle Connor a goal by throwing his stick towards his net, which he had abandoned after mishandling the puck.

It worked, as Connor lost the puck and tripped over the stick, but unfortunately for Silovs, it’s illegal to throw his stick.

Result: penalty shot converted by Connor.

All in all, a pretty funny situation.

3. Superb Wild team goal

Last night’s 5-2 Minnesota Wild victory over the Vancouver Canucks featured a beautiful team goal.

The game’s first goal, courtesy of Vladimir Tarasenko, was the result of some superb collective play by the Wild on the powerplay.

Joel Eriksson Ek made a beautiful pass on the volley for this goal, which we’ll probably see a few more times this season.

4. Three first-round picks score their first NHL goal

Three rookies, all previously drafted in the first round of an NHL draft, scored their first career goals yesterday.

Easton Cowan – Toronto Maple Leafs – 20 years old – Right wing – 28th pick in 2023

Isak Rosen – Buffalo Sabres – 22 years old – Right wing – 14th overall pick in 2021

Brad Lambert – Winnipeg Jets – 21 – Center – 30th overall in 2022

5. Sharks surprise Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche are off to a good start this season, apart from their games that end in overtime.

In fact, unlike the Canadiens, the Avalanche have lost all their games when they’ve gone into overtime.

Out of five games, the Avalanche have lost five, most recently last night to the San Jose Sharks.

It was a surprising defeat, as the Avalanche escaped it against one of the NHL’s bad teams, which now gives them a 7-1-5 record after 13 games.

Extensions

– Here are all yesterday’s results.

– Here are yesterday’s top scorers.

(Credit: NHL.com)

– Today’s NHL schedule: five games.

(Credit: Google/NHL)
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Heartbreaking defeat for the Jays: the Dodgers are World Series champions (again)

Tonight, the Canadiens won in overtime against the Senators.

It was an important game at the start of the season, but not as important as the final game of the World Series.

The Jays and Dodgers concluded their epic seven-game series tonight in Toronto. It was the visitors, to the great detriment of the Torontonians, who took top honours in the 11th inning. A heartbreaking 5-4 defeat.

Shohei Ohtani, the best player in Major League Baseball, was the Dodgers’ starting pitcher. He faced one of the best pitchers of all time Max Scherzer.

Ohtani didn’t get off to a great start: he didn’t have the best control of his pitches. Bo Bichette took advantage in the third to hit his first long ball of the series. In fact, it was his first hit by more than one base.

The three-run blast gave his club a 3-0 lead.

I don’t know if this was the shortstop/second baseman’s last game with the Jays, but clearly, he hit his biggest no-hitter of his professional career.

The Dodgers hadn’t said their last word, however. They cut the deficit to one with two sacrifice balls.

And in the bottom of the sixth inning, this team’s obscure hero Andres Gimenez hit a big, timely double to put the Jays back ahead by more than a run.

The previous half inning, Chris Bassitt made quite a play to retire the ninth batter Miguel Rojas.

Ohtani was in the on-deck circle, imagine that…

Two days’ rest: that’s all Trey Yesavage needed to get back into the fray after a Wednesday night performance of 12 strikeouts and just over 100 pitches.

In the seventh, he allowed a walk to Ohtani early in the inning, but nevertheless recovered nicely. He forced Will Smith to hit a weak fly ball to center field and Freddie Freeman knocked in a double play.

In the ninth inning, ahead by one, Jeff Hoffman, who has been excellent in the playoffs so far, allowed a home run to Miguel Rojas.

The game was tied at that point.

Heading to the 10th inning in this crazy game!

The Jays had the bases loaded with one out, but…

Early in the 10th inning, LA also had the bases loaded, but, like the Jays, the California club was unable to capitalize.

In the 11th inning, the visitors took their first lead of the night.

Will Smith hit a solo home run off Shane Bieber.

After throwing 96 pitches the day before, Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw 33 to collect the win.

The MVP of this series, without a doubt. At the end of the game, he made Alejandro Kirk his last victim (double play).

Extension

– In the fourth inning, Gimenez was hit by a pitch and the dugouts emptied.

– Ernie Clement had quite an October.

– One of the best series in history.

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Alex Newhook gives CHs overtime win

After a three-day wait following Tuesday’s win over the Kraken, the Habs were back in action against the Senators.

Samuel Montembeault was back in net.

Here are the line-ups:

The game started well for the Habs.

Cole Caufield scored his 10th goal of the season already.

Shortly afterwards, Zach Bolduc served up a big check to Jake Sanderson.

Sanderson landed on the home team’s bench. In defense of his teammate, Kutis MacDermid threw down the gloves against Bolduc, but he was the only one willing to fight.

Result: the Habs went on the power play…

And made the most of it. What a pass from Nick Suzuki to Juraj Slafkovsky.

In the second period, however, the Sens tied the game.

First, Drake Batherson closed the gap.

And late in the period, Michael Amadio tied it.

Earlier in the period, Lane Hutson missed a penalty shot.

In the third period, Tim Stutzle gave the visitors their first lead.

What a game!

Late in the game, just as it looked like Ottawa would win, Ivan Demidov scored the equalizer.

Great vision from Lane Hutson on the play.

For the thousandth time this season, the game including the Habs went into overtime.

Alex Newhook sealed the deal in overtime.

Final score: 4-3.

The Habs return to action on Tuesday at the Bell Centre against the Flyers.

Overtime

– He was right to refuse.

– Of note.

– Jayden Struble won hands down.

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Mike Matheson wants to invest in real estate after his career

After the season, Mike Matheson’s contract will expire.

The chances of him staying in Montreal are still good, in my opinion, since he wants to win, is Québécois and likes the group.

In his career, the defenseman has made just over $36 million, but after his field hockey career (he’s only 32), he won’t be idle. He wants to invest all that good money in real estate. On the Drette sul tape podcast , Samuel Montembeault talked about the guys’ hobbies, and Matheson likes to study about real estate. He’s taking a course.

On a personal level, Monty doesn’t know much about it and relies entirely on his compatriot to advise him on how to invest his money and manage his business.

Forget RDS or the media world for Matheson, his post-career will be spent in real estate. As Sam Caron, the other guest, and David Beaucage, the host, pointed out, to do real estate, you need time, which the defender doesn’t have.

If you’re renting out buildings and there are insect or water problems, for example, you have to be there.

And Matheson doesn’t yet have the life to do real estate full-time.

In any case, it’s a great post-career, but clearly he still has some good hockey to offer, and that’s what he’s going to concentrate on for now. If he plays until he’s 40 – his style of play will allow him to extend his career – he still has eight years, or one or two contracts.

Behind the scenes

– Wow.

– 11.5 M for Alex Tuch?

– MPP’s turn to support Vladdy.

– Her last chance to win a World Series?

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David Reinbacher collects first point in Rocket win

Last night, the Laval Rocket lost 2-1 to the Rochester Americans.

In defeat, David Reinbacher wasn’t pathetic, but he finished with a minus-2 record.

Today, he looked a little better. First, he collected his first point of the season on Jared Davidson’s insurance goal.

The forward’s seventh goal of the season.

As for Reinbacher, not only did he get his name on the scoresheet, but he stayed in the positive (0) in a 5-2 Rocket victory.

One step at a time for the young Austrian. No one has given up on him, now he’ll have to stay healthy and prove that he doesn’t belong in the AHL, but in the NHL.

With the departure of Logan Mailloux, who is struggling and will be sidelined again with St. Louis, Reinbacher will have plenty of opportunities to shine, especially offensively. He’ll get time in all areas of the game, which is a good sign.

Laval is there to train youngsters, and Reinbacher is its priority.

Another prospect the Rocket are keeping a close eye on is Jacob Fowler. He was smoking hot today, stopping 36 of 38 shots.

The American has won four of his six games this season.

Laurent Dauphin may not be a top-tier prospect, but he’s an organization player. So we have to talk about his four (!) goal game. Clearly the best player on this team so far this season.

Prolongation

– The Alouettes in the Eastern final.

– Of course it is.

– Go Jays!

– Listen/Watch.

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World Series Match #7: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wears Marie-Philip Poulin’s jersey

Tonight, the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series Finals.

The winner of the game will accomplish the ultimate mission of winning the MLB championship.

And Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (who is playing a huge role in his club’s playoff success this year) seems to be really ready for this one.

After arriving in Auston Matthews’ jersey for game #7 of the championship series against the Seattle Mariners… Vladdy decided to wear Marie-Philip Poulin’s for tonight’s game.

It’s a tribute to an athlete who has a reputation for performing in the big moments… and it’s sick.

Feel good, play good. No?

Marie-Philip Poulin scored both goals in Canada’s 2-0 victory over the USA in the gold medal final at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

She scored the tying and winning goals in Canada’s 3-2 overtime victory over the USA in the gold medal final at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Ah… And she also gave Canada gold against those same Americans at the Women’s World Championship in 2021 with (another) magnificent overtime goal.

She’s clutch, to put it another way:

It’s cool to see professional athletes supporting each other like that.

And it’s even cooler to see Vladdy (who was born in Montreal) honor an athlete like Marie-Philip Poulin for her success in the big moments.

Here’s hoping it helps him have a big game. Because it would be sick to see him slam one home to give his club the win – à la Poulin…

Overtime

– Bang.

– The two brothers!

– Elle