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Over the weekend, the Montreal Canadiens played two games on back-to-back nights, but their goalie usage raised questions across the league.
Fans were greatly surprised to see that the team did not send its starting goaltender directly to Carolina so he could rest, and some also questioned why the team did not even consider dressing No. 35 to give Dobes a full night off before traveling.
Usually, sending a player ahead so they can rest is one of the few advantages of carrying three goaltenders.
However, management kept Jakub Dobes in Nashville to serve as backup, fully aware that he would be playing the following night.
On this matter, an unexpected development has just explained the real reasons behind that decision.
The Montreal Canadiens received an official warning from the NHL
According to the analyst, the National Hockey League reportedly reprimanded the Canadiens earlier this season for sending a goaltender ahead to their next destination.
Clearly, the league’s higher authorities do not appreciate this logistical strategy at all.
This strict directive therefore explains why Jakub Dobes had to suit up in Nashville instead of resting at the hotel in Carolina.
So this was not a direct shot at Samuel Montembeault, but rather an obligation imposed by the Bettman-led league to avoid another warning.
But why is the league getting involved in this?
With the rapid emergence of Jacob Fowler and the strong play of Jakub Dobes, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that Samuel Montembeault will return to the net before the end of the season anyway, but this situation was unusual.
Regarding the NHL warning, several observers believe this intervention borders on being outright ridiculous.
If a team respects the salary cap and dresses two goaltenders properly for a game, the geographic location of its third goalie should not be an issue for anyone!
A harmless situation that once again makes the league’s rules look questionable.
“The Canadiens got a slap on the wrist when they did that earlier this year.
It seems the league isn’t too fond of that [sending a goalie ahead], and that’s why Dobes went to Nashville with the team because the Canadiens got warned by the league.”
– Alain Crête
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics
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NHL reportedly warned the Canadiens over their surprising goalie decision this past weekend
Is the NHL right to prevent teams from sending a third goaltender ahead to another city?