PUBLICATION

Leo Honein
January 15, 2026  (12:06)



Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes

Photo credit: Screenshot

We were eagerly awaiting a decision regarding the Montreal Canadiens’ starting goaltender for Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Martin St-Louis has now made his choice

Jacob Fowler expected to start tonight against the Sabres

We’re therefore very eager to see the young Fowler back in action.

Yes, Jacob Fowler will be the starting goaltender Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres (barring a major last-minute change).

For Jakub Dobes, it’s another slap in the face in an already heavy situation. When you’re a goaltender and you’re not playing, you can’t answer on the ice, especially after his recent comments to reporters.

And now, without saying much, the Montreal Canadiens have just told him that the current pecking order has changed.

This isn’t just a game-to-game decision. It’s a message. Fowler gets another major opportunity, while Dobes watches and waits.

In a three-goalie situation, every start becomes a vote, and every vote leaves a mark.

This NHL season, Fowler has already played nine games, posting a 2.46 goals-against average with a .908 save percentage.

Dobes, meanwhile, is carrying a heavier workload. This season, he has appeared in 22 games and owns a 14-5-3 record. His goals-against average sits at 3.01, with a .888 save percentage.

And this is where it gets tough for him. Even when you have wins, you still have to wait in the stands, or at the end of the bench.

When another goaltender comes in and starts getting games, you lose rhythm, and then you lose ground.

The game against Buffalo is important in the standings, and Montreal clearly wants an immediate response after Washington.

Fowler now has the puck in his court, while Dobes can only hope the door reopens quickly.

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics