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Jakub Dobes Starts as Canadiens Face Devils in High-Stakes Game
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- Jakub Dobes Starts as Canadiens Face Devils in High-Stakes Game
David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Montreal Canadiens (9-3-1) are set to play the New Jersey Devils (9-4-0), with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.
It's been a rather interesting run for the Habs and Devils since 2022, the year that saw the teams draft first and second overall, respectively.
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A few years later, both teams find themselves atop the Eastern Conference standings, with the Canadiens leading the Devils by a mere point. There's still a lot of hockey left to be played this season, but it's fair to say both the Devils and the Canadiens are happy with how their rebuilds have unfolded.
Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki will look to extend his impressive scoring streak on Thursday night. The 26-year-old forward failed to register his name on the scoresheet in Montreal's first game of the season, marking the last time he did not earn at least one point in a game.
He currently has three goals and 16 assists in 13 games, a testament to his evolution as one of the most dominant centres in the league. Beyond the production, the top line of Suzuki, Cole Caufield , and Juraj Slafkovsky has put together some of the most encouraging underlying numbers in the league.
But while things continue to roll for the top trio, the same cannot be said about the rest of the lineup. Ivan Demidov has been a godsend on the powerplay, but head coach Martin St-Louis is yet to find a sustainable combination at 5v5. Considering centre Kirby Dach has found his rhythm in the last few games, it may be time to consider a promotion for Dach and energetic winger Zachary Bolduc .
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Montreal Canadiens Roster Changes
The most significant change will see rookie Jakub Dobes replace veteran Samuel Montembeault , his seventh start of the year.
There's no doubt about it, Dobes is off to a great start to the season. Not only does he have one of the best goals against averages (1.97, 2nd NHL), and save percentages (.930, 3rd NHL), he's playing with the utmost confidence, a situation that has led to the entire team playing with a little more gusto whenever Dobes is tasked with guarding the net.
Dobes' most impressive results have occurred whenever he's facing a high-quality shot. He has managed to stop 29 of the 32 high-danger chance sent his way at 5v5, connoting that he's not just playing well when the rest of the team is enjoying a solid game, he's also making the most crucial saves at opportune times.
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As for the injured players, there was some good news in that regard. Defenceman Kaiden Guhle was spotted skating alone in Brossard, an indication that a return to play is imminent. Guhle was sidelined for four to six weeks on October 18 with a lower-body injury, which means he'll likely need a little more time before he's ready for NHL action, but it was an encouraging sight nonetheless.
For the view from the other side of the rink, don't forget to visit our sister site, New Jersey Hockey Now .
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkovsky
Alex Newhook – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov
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Zach Bolduc – Kirby Dach – Brendan Gallagher
Josh Anderson – Jake Evans – Joe Veleno
Arber Xhekaj – Alexandre Carrier
Jakub Dobes
New Jersey Devils Projected Lineup
Stefan Noesen – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt
Ondrej Palat – Nico Hischier – Arseny Gritsyuk
Timo Meier – Dawson Mercer – Connor Brown
Paul Cotter – Juho Lammikko – Luke Glendening
Jonas Siegenthaler – Dougie Hamilton
Dennis Cholowski – Simon Nemec
How To Watch
The Montreal Canadiens versus the New Jersey Devils, Thursday, November 6, 2025, will be aired on City TV, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet 1, and TVA Sports. An instant recap will be available on Sportsnaut shortly after the final whistle blows.
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