Jakub Dobes controversy just created a Canadiens goalie problem that cannot be ignored

The clip with Andrei Svechnikov is ugly because it changes the discussion from compete level to control.

Montreal lost 3-2 in overtime, and Dobes stopped 23 of 26 shots. That part is survivable.

The harder part is the optics. A goalie can battle in the blue paint, but grabbing a forward's leg is the kind of replay that travels fast.

The replay shows Dobes reaching from the crease, grabbing Svechnikov's leg, and dragging him off balance as the scrum rolls past his pad.

Montreal also gave Frederik Andersen a light night, putting only 12 shots on net. That left every crease incident feeling louder.

This is where St-Louis has to be careful. Defending Dobes publicly is one thing; letting the Hurricanes turn him into the emotional target is another.

Carolina already pushed this game into a grind. The Hurricanes tied the series 1-1 and got the last word when Nikolaj Ehlers scored at 3:29 of overtime.

Dobes can't become the story for the wrong reason. Not with the Eastern Conference Final shifting back to Montreal and every whistle getting louder.

The Canadiens need his edge. They don't need a pattern that gives Carolina free emotional fuel and puts officials on alert.

This isn't only about one viral clip. It's about whether Dobes can stay aggressive without handing momentum to the other bench.

St-Louis has trusted Dobes in a massive spot. Now he needs him composed, sharp, and boring when the crease gets crowded again.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Colorado's latest playoff nightmare is becoming impossible to hide