Montreal Canadiens supporters have long considered Jacob Fowler as the team’s future goaltender, though few anticipated him getting NHL ice time this season. Due to the Canadiens’ struggles in goal, the team decided to promote Fowler from the Laval Rocket before sending Samuel Montembeault for conditioning.
The Canadiens’ management revealed it was always intended to evaluate Fowler this season, with the possibility of a demotion. However, Fowler’s solid performance has kept him in the NHL, even after Montembeault rejoined the team.
The pressure mounts on young goaltenders in Montreal, and Fowler is often compared to Carey Price, the franchise’s all-time winning goalie. Fowler’s calm demeanor and ability to make saves with ease on the ice mirror Price’s style.
Before their game against Tampa Bay Lightning, RDS compared Fowler’s and Price’s statistics from their first five NHL games. Both had a 3-1-1 record, faced the same number of shots (146), and conceded 12 goals. Price logged 308:57 minutes, while Fowler played 300:33 minutes. Their goals-against averages were close (Price’s 2.33 GAA and Fowler’s 2.40 GAA), and both had a save percentage of .918.
A key difference is Fowler secured his first shutout in his fourth game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, whereas Price’s first shutout came in his 23rd game versus the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007.
Price played only 12 regular-season and 22 playoff games with the Hamilton Bulldogs (Montreal’s former farm team) before his NHL debut, helping them win the Calder Cup. Fowler has so far played 26 games with Laval, split between 8 playoff and 18 regular-season games, compared to Price’s 34 games at the lower-level.
There is debate over whether Fowler has spent enough time developing in the AHL. While more seasoning might help, if Montembeault doesn’t regain his form, the Canadiens should continue to rely on Fowler. The team aims to win and make the playoffs but needs steady goaltending to do so.
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Fan Take: This update is significant for hockey fans as it highlights the emergence of a promising young goaltender in a storied franchise, offering hope amid Montreal’s recent struggles. Fowler’s performance could shape the Canadiens’ future and impact goaltender development strategies across the sport.
