The Montreal Canadiens find themselves at a critical juncture in their season, with goaltending struggles threatening to derail their playoff aspirations. With both primary netminders posting save percentages below the .900 threshold, management faces increasing pressure to consider promoting promising rookie Jacob Fowler from the AHL's Laval Rocket.
Goaltending Numbers Tell Concerning Story
Samuel Montembeault's recent performance has raised significant concerns, particularly during Thursday night's 8-4 loss to the Washington Capitals. The veteran goaltender was pulled after allowing three goals on just ten shots, with the third goal proving particularly damaging. His season statistics paint a troubling picture: 4-5-1 record, 3.71 goals-against average, and an .852 save percentage.
Backup Jakub Dobes hasn't fared much better recently. While his overall record stands at 6-2-2 with a 2.96 GAA and .892 save percentage, his last four appearances have been particularly concerning. Dobes has managed only an .820 save percentage during this recent stretch, with all four games ending in losses for the struggling Canadiens.
The Fowler Factor: Ready or Not?
Jacob Fowler's impressive AHL rookie campaign is making the call-up discussion increasingly relevant. The 20-year-old netminder has compiled a 6-4-0 record with the Laval Rocket, posting three shutouts alongside a 2.11 GAA and .921 save percentage. Beyond the statistics, Fowler has demonstrated the mental toughness and "bulldog fight" that many believe could translate well to the pressure-cooker environment of Montreal.
Canadiens management initially planned to give Fowler a full season as Laval's number one goalie before considering an NHL promotion. However, the team's current five-game losing streak (0-4-1), during which they've been outscored 27-10, may force their hand sooner than anticipated.
Head coach Martin St. Louis acknowledged the goaltending concerns while also defending his netminders. "Can the goalies be better? For sure, they can be better," St. Louis stated after the Washington loss. "But we have to do a better job in front of them also." The statistics support his assessment - the Canadiens allowed 13 high-danger scoring chances against the Capitals according to Natural Stat Trick.
Historical Precedent and Alternative Options
The organization remains cautious about rushing Fowler's development, with Cayden Primeau serving as a recent cautionary tale. Primeau dominated at the AHL level last season with a 21-2-2 record, 1.96 GAA, and .927 save percentage, but struggled to translate that success to the NHL level.
Another option exists in veteran Kaapo Kahkonen, who has posted solid numbers with Laval (4-2-0, 2.35 GAA, .919 save percentage). The 29-year-old brings 140 games of NHL experience to the table, though his career .898 save percentage at the highest level provides limited reassurance.
The Canadiens have dropped to sixth place in the Atlantic Division after their recent slide, falling out of a playoff position they had secured earlier in the season. With a 10-7-3 record, the team remains seven points ahead of their pace from the previous season, but the recent defensive collapses have exposed significant vulnerabilities.
Broader Team Issues Beyond Goaltending
The team's struggles extend beyond the crease, with physical play becoming a particular concern. The Capitals' Tom Wilson delivered another devastating hit against the Canadiens, this time knocking Jake Evans out of the game and directly leading to a Washington goal. The NHL Department of Player Safety decided against disciplining Wilson for the hit, which St. Louis described as coming "from a long distance and high."
The lack of response to Wilson's physical dominance echoes last season's playoff series, where similar hits changed the momentum against Montreal. The team's need for more "sandpaper" and physical presence has become increasingly apparent, particularly from larger players like Juraj Slafkovsky and Arber Xhekaj, who have been surprisingly tentative in their physical play recently.
Injuries have also plagued the Canadiens, with key players Kirby Dach, Patrik Laine, Alex Newhook, and Kaiden Guhle all sidelined long-term. Newhook's recent ankle fracture, suffered after a minor hooking penalty from Dallas Stars defender Ilya Lyubushkin, highlights the fine line between routine plays and season-altering injuries in today's NHL.
Despite these challenges, management remains committed to their rebuild timeline and coach Martin St. Louis's leadership. The organization recognizes that as the youngest team in the NHL, the Canadiens remain in development mode rather than Stanley Cup contention. How they navigate this goaltending crisis could define their season and influence the pace of their ongoing rebuild.
