A significant homecoming awaits two members of the Montreal Canadiens as the team prepares for its final game before the Christmas break. Rookie goaltender Jacob Fowler returns to a familiar city, while veteran centre Phillip Danault makes his return to the bleu-blanc-rouge lineup when the Habs visit the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Tuesday night.
Fowler's Boston Homecoming and Rookie Resilience
The game holds special meaning for 20-year-old goaltender Jacob Fowler, who spent two standout seasons at Boston College before turning pro. Fowler, who posted a 25-7-2 record with seven shutouts for the Eagles last season, is scheduled to start in net for Montreal. This marks his fifth NHL appearance, where he currently holds a 2-1-1 record with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.
His journey hit a high note last Saturday when he recorded his first career NHL shutout, a 31-save performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins. That memorable night was shared with forward Owen Beck, who scored his first NHL goal in the same game. The two were recalled together from the AHL's Laval Rocket on December 9 following a 6-1 loss to Tampa Bay.
"A 31-save shutout. It kind of speaks for itself," Beck said of his teammate's performance. "That's pretty sick. Good for him. He's an excellent goalie." Fowler reciprocated the sentiment, noting the bond formed during their time in Laval. "I definitely had a big smile when he scored that one," Fowler said.
Danault's Return to Montreal
In a significant roster move, the Canadiens welcomed back a familiar face. Centre Phillip Danault was acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Kings on Friday night in exchange for a 2026 second-round draft pick. Danault, who had five assists in 30 games with Los Angeles this season, skated with his new—yet old—teammates for the first time on Tuesday morning in Boston.
"It's like I never left," Danault said upon his return. Expressing enthusiasm about the change, he added, "I think a change of scenery was welcome. With the role I was given, I felt I couldn't contribute anything to the team. I wasn't useful." He is expected to slot into the lineup between Alexandre Texier and Josh Anderson.
Canadiens head coach Martin St. Louis believes Danault's experience and defensive reliability will be a major asset. "He's a guy that's very reliable and can kill penalties," St. Louis stated. "I think it's something that we need, especially having a guy like that doing it for a long time. I think it's going to help our young group."
Lineup Notes and Pre-Game Details
The game is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, and will be broadcast on TSN2, RDS, TSN Radio 690, and 98.5 FM. The matchup comes after the Canadiens split a two-game series with Pittsburgh, winning Fowler's shutout game 1-0 before losing 4-3 in a shootout on Sunday.
St. Louis noted that a virus has been circulating in the dressing room, which may explain why Cole Caufield and Brendan Gallagher did not skate during Tuesday's morning session. However, both are expected to play. Forward Joe Veleno, who left Sunday's game late after a collision, also participated in the morning skate.
For Fowler, the start in Boston represents another step in his promising rookie campaign and a chance to build on his shutout momentum. For Danault, it's the beginning of a second chapter with the franchise where he spent six seasons, aiming to prove he can still be a difference-maker for Montreal.
