Fowler's Early Form Creates Canadiens Crease Question
Jacob Fowler has posted a 1.91 goals-against average and .906 save percentage in three starts for Montreal. Jakub Dobes has a 4.63 GAA and .842 save percentage over four appearances, including several rough outings. With Samuel Montembeault unavailable for up to two weeks, the Canadiens must decide how to split starts.
Montreal’s current goalie situation stems from Samuel Montembeault being sidelined for as many as two weeks starting Oct. 9. Fowler has taken advantage, going 2-1-0 with a Detroit shutout and a Buffalo shootout victory; his lone defeat came when Nashville scored three. Dobes began with a Toronto win but later yielded six in Pittsburgh, five to Carolina and five to Washington, leaving him 1-2-1.
Dobes remains part of Montreal’s plans after signing a three-year extension valued near $5.35 million, following last season’s Eastern Conference Final appearance. With three goalies available, the Canadiens’ choice for Saturday’s rematch against Buffalo could reveal how they view the crease.
The Canadiens’ crease choice may affect more than the standings. Teammates could gain or lose confidence depending on which goalie starts, while fans and Montreal media may intensify debate about workload and development. Dobes’s contract and Fowler’s early results could influence how the organization handles young netminders, and the decision may ripple into fantasy hockey and local business interest around games. Ultimately, it is a sports-management question, but one that can shape public mood in a hockey-focused city.