Dobes, Zacha Shine as NHL Announces Weekly Stars
MONTREAL – A strong week for Czech players highlighted the NHL’s “Three Stars” announcement for the week ending March 29th, with Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes earning the first star honors. Boston Bruins center Pavel Zacha was named second star, and Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson rounded out the top three, according to the NHL.
Dobes Walls Off Opponents, Leads Canadiens on Winning Streak
The 24-year-traditional Dobes was instrumental in the Canadiens’ success, helping the team secure victories in all three of his appearances last week. He registered a league-best 100 saves on 104 shots, posting a 1.33 goals-against average and a .962 save percentage. This performance extended Montreal’s winning streak to five games, solidifying their position in the competitive Atlantic Division.
Dobes’ standout performance included a career-high 41 saves in a 5-2 comeback win against the Carolina Hurricanes on March 24th. Remarkably, he stopped the final 33 shots he faced in that contest. He continued his stellar play, allowing just one goal in each of his subsequent starts: a 2-1 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets on March 26th, where he made 25 saves, and a 3-1 reach-from-behind victory against the Hurricanes on March 29th, adding 34 stops – including an impressive 26 consecutive saves to close out the game.
This season, Dobes has quickly established himself as a key player for the Canadiens. Through 37 appearances, he boasts a record of 25-8-4, with a 2.78 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. His 25 wins are the most by a Montreal rookie in a single campaign since Steve Penney recorded 26 victories in the 1984-85 season.
Zacha Powers Bruins’ Push for Playoff Position
Pavel Zacha had a productive week for the Boston Bruins, leading the NHL with five goals and three assists for a total of eight points in four games. His offensive output propelled the Bruins to three wins, creating a four-point cushion for the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference.
Despite a 4-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs on March 24th, where he recorded one assist, Zacha consistently contributed in subsequent games. He registered at least two points in each of his next three contests. Against the Buffalo Sabres, he assisted on the tying goal and then scored the game-winning goal in overtime, securing a 4-3 victory. He followed that up with two goals in a 6-3 win over the Minnesota Wild and two goals and an assist in a 4-3 shootout win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
With 59 points (28 goals and 31 assists) in 71 games this season, Zacha has matched his career-high point total, previously achieved in the 2023-24 season, but in seven fewer games.
Carlson Contributes with Assists for the Ducks
Anaheim Ducks defenseman John Carlson also earned recognition, sharing the league lead in assists with seven in three games. His most impactful performance came during a 5-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, where he recorded three assists.
The NHL’s “Three Stars” are presented by GEICO. The league’s announcement recognizes outstanding individual performances and contributions to team success each week of the season.
Jakub Dobes, Pavel Zacha and John Carlson named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending March 29. #NHLStats
3 Stars of the Week presented by @GEICO#NHLStats: https://t.co/V0EVfQI8Oi pic.twitter.com/EFUDDoFe97
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) March 30, 2026
The Canadiens, Bruins, and Ducks will all continue their regular season schedules this week, with playoff implications looming large for both Boston and Montreal. Fans can find updated schedules and standings on the official NHL website.
