Dec 23, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Montreal Canadians goaltender Jacob Fowler (32) takes a drink of water during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Image

Photo credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images

Jacob Fowler has just changed his mask, and the message is impossible to miss.

Tuesday night in Boston, he delivered another solid start before the holiday break. His save percentage in the game was .929, and without him in the first period, things could have unraveled quickly.

The Canadiens liked what he brought, especially in a context where every detail is being closely scrutinized. After five games, Fowler holds a 3-1-1 record. His goals-against average is 2.40 and his save percentage is .918.

Those are numbers that already force the organization to ask some serious questions, even though we’re talking about a 21-year-old goaltender.

Jacob Fowler with the Montreal Canadiens for good?

But the interesting decision (noticed yesterday) isn’t on the scoresheet. In Boston, Fowler wore a new mask in Montreal Canadiens colors.

The style associated with the Laval Rocket was gone, and that small change sparked a lot of discussion. There is no longer any trace of the Laval Rocket on Jacob Fowler’s goalie mask.

A new mask sends a clear message. Fowler is carrying himself like someone who sees a future here for the long haul, not someone preparing to pack his bags tomorrow morning.

And that’s where the real puzzle begins.

Samuel Montembeault is still in the picture, and Jakub Dobes is also a credible option.

Montembeault, 29, is carrying a difficult season statistically, with a 5-6-1 record, a 3.65 goals-against average, and a .857 save percentage.

Dobes, 24, has a 12-5-3 record this season, with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .894 save percentage.

After the break, the decision won’t be just a question of merit. It will also be a management question, because Fowler is forcing everyone’s hand.

And with a mask that’s already 100% Canadiens, he just added another layer to the story.

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics

POLL

3 HOURS AGO   |   397 ANSWERS

Jacob Fowler’s new mask sends a clear message to Canadiens management

Should Jacob Fowler remain with the Canadiens after Christmas?