Canadiens MVPs From The First Round Of NHL Playoffs

Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Now that the Montreal Canadiens have eliminated the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round of the 2026 NHL Playoffs, it’s time to take a look at some of the top performers from the series. Jakub Dobes Reigns Supreme Admittedly, by asking Habs fans to name their most valuable players of the first round, we were really asking them for submissions to establish the team’s second-most important player. Who was your #GoHabsGo MVP of the first round, Canadiens fans?

pic. twitter. com/qXE1Gw08vQ — Montreal Hockey Now (@MTLhockeynow) May 4, 2026 Simply put, Jakub Dobes was clearly the team’s MVP , as evidenced by the fact that he stopped 181 of the 196 shots sent his way, good for a .

923 save percentage, well above his regular-season save percentage of . 901. It’s also worth noting he faced 80 high-danger scoring chances, a testament to his ability to make a big save when the Canadiens needed it most.

Dobes may have less experience than most NHL goaltenders, but he gave the Canadiens the confidence necessary to stave off long stretches in which the Lightning dominated, which is the equivalent to having a veteran presence in the net. So far, so great for #GoHabsGo netminder Jakub Dobeš. pic.