It’s not every day that the hockey world stops in its tracks because of a single press conference, but on this occasion, the spotlight shone so brightly on Montreal Canadiens’ goaltender Jakub Dobes that fans, pundits, and players alike couldn’t look away. The aftermath of Montreal’s overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils was already set to be a topic of heated debate, but what unfolded after the final buzzer was something far more captivating—and, perhaps, far more important—than any play on the ice.

Dobes, just 24 years old and in the midst of a breakout season, stepped up to the microphone for his postgame interview. What happened next wasn’t the usual parade of clichés and rehearsed answers. Instead, it was a raw, unscripted moment that revealed the soul of a competitor and the vulnerability of youth under pressure. Every word, every pause, every hint of emotion was captured, dissected, and discussed by a media landscape hungry for more than just statistics and sound bites.

But while much of the public’s attention has focused on Dobes’ emotional display—his visible struggle to hold back tears, his abrupt end to the interview, and his striking admission that even an undefeated record wasn’t “good enough”—there’s another side to the story that hasn’t been fully revealed. Behind the closed doors of the Canadiens’ locker room, a series of events unfolded that few have seen, and even fewer understand. What happened in those moments may prove to be just as significant as anything that occurred in front of the cameras.

Sources close to the team, including respected journalist Eric Engels, have hinted at details that didn’t make it to the official footage. Dobes’ frustration was palpable, but what truly stands out is the reaction of his teammates and coaches. In the wake of his emotional press conference, several Canadiens players immediately rallied to his side, insisting that the loss was not his fault and that Dobes was being far too hard on himself. Their words offer a glimpse into the unique culture of support and camaraderie that defines this Montreal squad—a culture that may be the key to weathering storms both on and off the ice.

Head coach Martin St-Louis, himself no stranger to the pressures of elite competition, addressed the situation with a calm, reassuring message. His promise to speak with Dobes personally was more than just a gesture; it was a testament to the kind of leadership that values mental strength as much as physical skill. St-Louis and the Canadiens management are clearly determined to ensure that Dobes doesn’t shoulder the burden alone.

What exactly transpired in the locker room after Dobes’ press conference? How did his teammates respond in real time, and what does this episode tell us about the inner workings of a team facing adversity? In the following article, we’ll peel back the curtain on one of the most talked-about moments in recent Canadiens history, exploring the emotional fallout, the unity among players, and the lessons that could shape the future of Montreal’s young star.

photo of Jakub Dobes

Photo credit: Screenshot

It’s obviously the topic all the media are talking about today: that memorable press conference from young goaltender Jakub Dobes.

Personally, you already know my opinion, but I love seeing how his emotions run deep.

Of course, I don’t love seeing the young man upset, but I do love seeing how much of a true competitor and genuine winner he is.

As the great Patrick Roy (among others) once said so well, there’s a world of difference between loving to win and hating to lose.

Clearly, Dobes hates to lose!

I get the feeling Roy would take Dobes on his team tomorrow morning!

Anyway, you all saw the scene.

What happened in the Montreal Canadiens’ locker room following Jakub Dobes’ press conference

As the excellent journalist Eric Engels from Sportsnet mentioned, there are two things that weren’t really shown on television.

First, Dobes had enough at one point and abruptly ended his post-game interviews himself.

“It’s not good enough. 6-0-0 is not good enough. I really wanted..” Dobes said before abruptly cutting his post-game avail.

– Eric Engels

You can see a bit of it at the end of the following video, but not in the official press conference footage on the Canadiens’ website:

That once again shows how disgusted he was about letting a point slip away in the standings.

Secondly, several of Dobes’ Montreal Canadiens teammates immediately came to his defense.

“Both Noah Dobson and Oliver Kapanen said Jakub Dobes is being too hard on himself; “we didn’t lose because of him…” said Kapanen.”

– via Priyanta Emrith

Martin St-Louis also delivered a message during his own press conference when reporters asked him about the situation.

“We’ll talk to Dobes, he’s played really well for us.”

– MSL

Clearly, St-Louis and the Habs players are 100% behind Dobes – and rightfully so!