canadiens vs senators is getting a sudden jolt on Wednesday as Montreal recalled 21-year-old goaltender Jacob Fowler from the AHL’s Laval Rocket and immediately put him in line to start. The Canadiens confirmed the move Wednesday, setting Fowler up for a 7: 30 p. m. ET puck drop against Ottawa on the second night of a back-to-back. The urgency around the decision spilled into the spotlight as coach Martin St-Louis grew visibly frustrated while addressing repeated questions about the team’s goaltending choices.
Fowler recalled Wednesday and handed the start
The Canadiens announced Wednesday that Fowler has been recalled from Laval. He is slated to start against the Senators at 7: 30 p. m. ET, a rapid turn that places him in net without the typical lead time teams often use for a call-up ahead of a start.
Fowler’s path to this moment has been busy and, at times, interrupted. He returned to play for Laval on March 6 in a 4-2 win over Rochester, his first game since February 16. An upper-body injury had kept him out and also prevented him from playing in the AHL All-Star Classic.
Earlier this season, Fowler was recalled by Montreal for 10 games, making his NHL debut on December 11. In that earlier stretch, he posted a 4-4-2 record, recorded his first career shutout, and maintained a save percentage of. 902 with a 2. 62 goals-against average.
With Laval this campaign, Fowler has made 27 appearances with a. 916 save percentage and a 2. 23 goals-against average. Montreal drafted Fowler in the third round in 2023.
Canadiens Vs Senators decision sparks tense goalie talk
The call-up came ahead of Montreal’s matchup with Ottawa, and St-Louis framed it as a decision rooted in the immediate demands of the schedule and the standings pressure surrounding the team.
“It’s where we are today, ” St-Louis said. “The results are important, and I think it’s the best decision for the game tonight. ”
St-Louis also emphasized the team’s mindset regardless of who is in net, while pointing to the back-to-back context and the opportunity created for Fowler.
“We’re a confident group in front of all our goalies, ” he said. “But it’s a decision you take during the season, it’s a back-to-back, and it’s an opportunity for Fowler. ”
As questions continued, St-Louis’ patience thinned. “I won’t answer 40 decisions about goaltenders, ” he said. “Fowler is in the net tonight, it’s the best decision for tonight, for a back-to-back, to win the game. ”
In the same exchange, St-Louis pushed back when a media member noted it was normal to ask about a significant lineup change, responding that there had already been “five or six questions. ”
For Wednesday night, the rotation is clear: Fowler is set to start, with Jakub Dobes serving as the backup, while veteran Samuel Montembeault is effectively third in the mix for the game.
Quick context: a call-up in a tight race
Montreal currently holds the final wild-card spot in the East, adding weight to every lineup decision. Fowler’s recall and immediate start arrives in that pressure, with St-Louis repeatedly anchoring his explanation to what gives the Canadiens the best chance “tonight. ”
What’s next after Wednesday night
All eyes now turn to the opening minutes of canadiens vs senators at 7: 30 p. m. ET, where Fowler’s start will be judged in real time against an Ottawa team ready to test him early. The Canadiens’ internal handling of the crease remains a day-to-day story, and St-Louis’ repeated emphasis on “tonight” leaves the next decision for the following game unresolved until the team signals its next move.
