MONTREAL — In the world of professional hockey, there is an unwritten code: you protect your goaltender at all costs. Last night, the Montreal Canadiens appeared to have forgotten that rule. Following a dangerous crease collision involving young standout Jacob Fowler, the team’s passive reaction has left fans and analysts alike questioning the squad’s backbone and identity.
The Incident
During a high-tension sequence, a Ducks player drove directly into Fowler inside his crease. As the «crown jewel» of Montreal’s goaltending future lay on the ice, the expected retaliation never materialized. While veteran Phillip Danault offered a «timid» shove toward the opponent, the rest of the Canadiens’ lineup remained largely stagnant.
«No one lifted a finger»
Renowned analyst Anthony Martineau was quick to denounce the lack of grit. «You go straight into Fowler and no one comes to see you,» Martineau remarked, noting that while Danault deserves slight credit for his effort, the collective response was non-existent. «That has to hurt when someone hits your jewels.»
The Contrast in Character
The lack of urgency was made even more embarrassing by a later sequence at the other end of the rink. When Montreal’s Alex Newhook fired a shot at Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal after the whistle, the response was instantaneous. The entire Anaheim «cavalry» jumped on Newhook in a show of force, sending a clear message that their goalie was off-limits.
A Question of Identity
As Martin St-Louis oversees this critical rebuild, last night served as a grim reminder that respect is earned every shift. Leaving a young pillar like Jacob Fowler to fend for himself in the crease isn’t just a tactical error; it’s a failure of team culture. If the Canadiens want to be taken seriously as a playoff contender, protecting their stars cannot be treated as an «optional» effort.