MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens narrowly avoided an early-season panic in a tense, hard-fought 1–0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings at the Bell Centre. Following a difficult stretch that included an overtime loss in Pittsburgh, a disappointing showing against Carolina, and a dominant yet unsuccessful outing against Nashville, the club desperately needed a win to prevent an outbreak of mass hysteria among fans and critics alike.
Enter Jacob Fowler.
Fowler’s Masterclass and Montreal’s Goalie Riches
Playing in only the fourth game of an 84-game campaign, Fowler reacted brilliantly, delivering a masterclass between the pipes.
- The Climax: After Zachary Bolduc finally broke a scoreless deadlock in the shootout, Fowler had to make one final save to preserve his shutout, earning first-star honours and securing a crucial two points.
- Shootout Brilliance: Fowler was flawless during regulation and went on to make six consecutive masterful saves in the shootout.
- Cool as a Cucumber: Sportswriter and fans have already contrasted Fowler’s serene, Ken Dryden-esque composure with his goaltending partner Jakub Dobes’ fiery, Patrick Roy-like temperament. Drummer Denis Fournier even dubbed Fowler «Wowler» following his stellar performance.
With Fowler and Dobes leading the charge, Montreal finds itself blessed with a wealth of young goaltending riches while half a dozen NHL teams struggle to find a reliable netminder.
The Dylan Larkin Rumour Mill: Why Trading for the Red Wings Captain is a Risky Gamble
The game also sparked massive intrigue off the ice, highlighted by «we want Larkin» chants directed at Detroit captain Dylan Larkin from the Bell Centre crowd. While Larkin expressed surprise and gratitude, rumors linking the disgruntled forward to the Canadiens have circulated, though analysts strongly caution against pulling the trigger.
- Culture Clash: Larkin is viewed by critics as a malcontent in the mold of Brady Tkachuk or Connor Hellebuyck. Bringing an unhappy player into a close-knit, mutually supportive locker room—built meticulously by Kent Hughes—threatens the team’s carefully nurtured culture.
- Not Worth the Price: Beyond the character concerns, trading for Larkin could mean giving up prized young assets like Michael Hage. Hage is younger, cheaper, highly intelligent, and projected by many to eventually surpass Larkin’s ceiling.
- A History of Missing the Playoffs: Critics note that Larkin served as captain for six seasons in Detroit without leading his team to a postseason berth, raising questions about whether winning truly follows him.
Blueline Boost and Roster Notes
The victory over Detroit was also aided by the return of Kaiden Guhle, whose physical presence on the backend instantly improved Montreal’s defensive stability and brought out the best in Arber Xhekaj.
Meanwhile, former Canadiens defenseman Jayden Struble recently adjusted to his new chapter after being traded to the Nashville Predators for a 2027 second-round pick—a move that reflects Montreal’s enviable defensive depth.