The Montreal Canadiens’ final game before the holiday break already has its leading man in net. Following a 4-3 shootout loss against Pittsburgh, head coach Martin St-Louis confirmed that Jacob Fowler will start Tuesday against the Bruins in Boston.
The decision comes at a moment of high expectation. Last Saturday, Fowler recorded his first NHL shutout with 31 saves in a 4-0 win over the Penguins at the Bell Centre.
In just four appearances since being recalled from the Laval Rocket, he has posted a .915 save percentage and a 2.49 goals-against average. His next challenge will be at TD Garden, a venue that has historically tested the Canadiens in the Atlantic Division.
The context adds tension: Samuel Montembeault remains in Montreal after playing two games with the Laval Rocket and will rejoin the team after Christmas. Jakub Dobes served as Fowler’s backup in Pittsburgh, reinforcing the idea that the young goaltender has earned short-term trust.
Another name to watch in the lineup is Phillip Danault, acquired from the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick. The 32-year-old center has five assists in 30 games this season and carries a $5.5 million salary, with one more year left on his contract.
Montreal is aiming for its 19th win before the break, and the clash against Boston feels like a final sprint. St-Louis’ choice of Fowler not only defines the goaltending position but also raises the debate: is it a gesture of confidence in the rookie or an unnecessary risk against one of the toughest rivals in the conference?