Canadiens Start Jakub Dobes Against Sharks as Engstrom Enters Lineup

Montreal Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis will start Jakub Dobes in goal against the San Jose Sharks while bringing Adam Engstrom into the lineup in place of David Reinbacher. The decisions, reported by TSN on October 20, 2026, reflect the team's approach to rotating players during the NHL regular season.

Engstrom's inclusion does not indicate dissatisfaction with Reinbacher's performance, St. Louis said. The coach explained that the change was intended to keep players involved rather than respond to a specific problem with Reinbacher's play.

St. Louis described the lineup adjustment as a matter of maintaining movement among players.

"Just want to keep guys moving" St. Louis said.

The change puts Engstrom into the lineup for the matchup with San Jose, while Dobes receives the starting assignment in goal. TSN identified both decisions in its report on Montreal's preparations for the game.

The Canadiens are making the defensive lineup change without attributing it to Reinbacher's performance, according to St. Louis. The coach's explanation centers on player rotation, while the goaltending decision gives Dobes the start against the Sharks.