Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler to make first NHL start against Penguins

PITTSBURGH — Jacob Fowler will make his first NHL start as the Montreal Canadiens look to solve their goaltending woes Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Fowler, widely viewed by fans as Montreal’s goalie of the future, has a 10-5-0 record, .919 save percentage and 2.09 goals-against average in 15 games as a rookie this season with the American Hockey League’s Laval Rocket.

The Canadiens (15-11-3) recalled the 21-year-old American on Tuesday night after losing 6-1 to the Tampa Bay Lightning at home. They sat fourth in the Atlantic Division, two points outside a playoff spot, heading into the matchup against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins.

Montreal’s goaltending situation has been a major storyline with the Canadiens struggling to get a save.

Sam Montembeault, the incumbent No. 1, has a 5-6-1 record with a 3.65 goals-against average and .857 save percentage, ranking last among the 48 goalies with at least 10 starts.

Jakub Dobes won his first six games this season as the backup, posting a 1.97 goals-against average and .930 save percentage to earn the NHL’s third star of the month in October. Since then, his numbers have slipped to a 3.15 goals-against average and a .887 save percentage.

Dobes was pulled Tuesday after allowing three goals on 11 shots. Montembeault then surrendered three goals on 10 shots in relief.

The Canadiens now turn to Fowler, a third-round (69th overall) Montreal draft pick in 2023 who posted a .940 save percentage at Boston College last season.

Montreal also recalled defenceman Adam Engström and forward Owen Beck on Tuesday. The 22-year-old Engström, who has played two games for the Canadiens this season, will draw into the lineup for Arber Xhekaj.

Beck, meanwhile, enters the lineup for centre Jake Evans, who is away for personal reasons and expected to rejoin the Canadiens on Saturday against the New York Rangers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2025.