Canadiens confirm Josh Anderson's injury and reveal who starts in net against Detroit

Anderson was ruled day-to-day with an upper-body injury before puck drop.

That's a tough hit for the Canadiens because he brings straight-line pressure, forecheck bite, and the kind of energy that can drag a bench into the game.

Then came the second decision.

Montreal announced Dobes would get the start against the Red Wings, which gave the night a different feel right away.

With Anderson out, the Canadiens were already missing one of their harder matchup pieces.

That makes the crease even more important.

Dobes has already handled a real workload this season, appearing in 32 games for Montreal.

This was not some surprise emergency call for a goalie with no NHL reps.

Still, the assignment got heavier because of the player missing up front.

Anderson is not just another winger you swap out without changing the look of your lineup.

He plays a direct game, gets in on the forecheck, and can change momentum with one hard shift.

That's the real angle here. The Canadiens were not just replacing an injured forward. They were asking their goaltender to help settle the whole game environment on the road.

Dobes has seen enough NHL action this year to give Montreal some confidence, but nights like this are about more than experience.

They're about handling the mood of the game when the lineup gets thinner.

That's why these 2 updates fit together.

Anderson going day-to-day took away some edge from Montreal's forward group.

Dobes getting the start meant the Canadiens needed calm from the crease to make up for it.

One move created the problem. The other gave Montreal its answer.

Now the question is whether Dobes can turn that opportunity into a steadying performance while the Canadiens wait to see how long Anderson stays out.

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