Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images
We have a last-minute update regarding the Montreal Canadiens’ lineup ahead of Saturday’s game in St. Louis.
Samuel Montembeault was the only goaltender on the ice today in St. Louis, so all signs point to Fowler getting the start against the Blues. Confirmation is expected shortly.
Jacob Fowler expected to start against the St. Louis Blues
According to what is circulating from RDS, Samuel Montembeault was reportedly the only goaltender on the ice this morning. Marc Denis indicated that this points toward Fowler starting Saturday afternoon in St. Louis.
“Since Montembeault was the only one on the ice this morning, we can expect Fowler and Matheson (who skated yesterday) to try to make a return.
Nothing new on Anderson.”
– Marc Denis, RDS
The game is being played at Enterprise Center, with puck drop set for 4:00 p.m. Take note of the time.
On Friday, Martin St-Louis did not want to officially confirm his starting goalie, which left the door open to a surprise. If it is indeed Fowler, the numbers already speak in his favor.
This season, he has played 6 NHL games, posting a 3-1-2 record, a 2.64 goals-against average, and a .905 save percentage.
He also has a shutout, which carries weight in a three-goalie debate. Jakub Dobes remains in the picture, but his most recent sample is heavier.
He has played 21 games, with a 13-5-3 record, a 3.01 goals-against average, and a .889 save percentage. Dobes is 24 years old and is under contract at $965,000 per season through 2026-2027.
Montembeault, meanwhile, has played 16 games, with 6 wins, a 3.52 goals-against average, and a .863 save percentage. He is 29 years old and carries a cap hit of $3.15M per season.
Matheson missed the last game due to an upper-body injury, and Adam Engstrom had taken his spot in the lineup.
It is now officially confirmed, Jacob Fowler will be the Canadiens’ starting goaltender in St. Louis, replacing Jakub Dobes as the starter.
See the Canadiens’ official announcement:
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics