The Montreal Canadiens snagged a crucial road victory against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday, and a big part of that success was thanks to goalie Jacob Fowler. Making his first start since mid-January after being called up from the AHL, Fowler put on a show.
Stopping 32 of 34 shots, Fowler was a wall in front of the net, especially in those tense closing minutes when the Senators were desperate to tie it up. After the game, Fowler reflected on the pressure-packed final moments, saying, "I felt pretty calm.
You are always chasing perfection, and you are never going to get it. I felt tonight I started off a little jumpy but settled in well."
In the world of goaltending, comparisons to Carey Price are no small thing. Stephane Waite, the former Canadiens' goalie coach, recently made that exact comparison on The Sick Podcast with Tony Mariano.
Waite, who coached Price during some of his best years, sees a similar calm and control in Fowler. Price, as fans will remember, was a force in the 2014-15 season, leading the league in wins, save percentage, and goals against average.
As for the Canadiens' goaltending situation, the debate continues over whether Fowler or Jakub Dobes should take the reins moving forward. While head coach Martin St.
Louis doesn't need to name a definitive starter just yet, there's an important decision looming: moving Jacob Fowler ahead of Samuel Montembeault on the depth chart. Montembeault has had a rough season, allowing nine goals in his last two starts and posting a 1-2-2 record over his last five.
Opting for a rotation between Fowler and Dobes could bring much-needed clarity as the Canadiens eye the playoffs. This strategy would allow the team to evaluate which goalie to lean on when the stakes get even higher. The Canadiens are set to hit the ice for practice on Friday, and it might just offer a glimpse into their goaltending plans moving forward.