December hasn’t been particularly kind to the Montreal Canadiens, and it seems like the organization is intent on mixing things up.
The Habs announced they have recalled forward Owen Beck, defenceman Adam Engstrom, and goaltender Jacob Fowler from the Laval Rocket (AHL).
This comes on the heels of yet another frustrating outcome, a one-sided 6-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning that saw both Canadiens goaltenders struggle. Jakub Dobes was pulled after allowing three goals on 11 shots, while Samuel Montembeault allowed three goals on just 10 shots.
It was the perfect example of Montreal’s goaltending woes, not to mention their lack of any semblance of defensive structure.
Defence, Canadiens-style. pic.twitter.com/4ntmN5cDw2
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) December 10, 2025
Fowler In Montreal
There’s a chance that Montembeault is still under the weather, but Fowler’s name being added to the call-up list can also be interpreted as the team running out of patience with their current goaltending situation.
As of Tuesday night, Dobes and Montembeault have combined for an 88.52 save percentage, the second-lowest result in the NHL. Only the Edmonton Oilers have a worse save percentage at 5v5 (88%).
Fowler, on the other hand, has been a dominant force in the AHL for the Rocket, sporting a .920 save percentage and a 10-5-0 record, which includes three shutouts. He’s also one of the main driving forces behind the Rocket’s tight grasp on the first place in the North Division.
Jacob Fowler is out there making 5v3 saves look easy. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/1wiZf6kaBO
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) November 20, 2025
Of course, if the Habs do intend on using Fowler to solve the goaltending issue, it won’t fix their defensive setup, which has led to a bevy of defence-optional games in recent weeks.
The Monteral Canadiens hand out high-danger scoring chances like few other teams in the league, and while it’s impossible to ignore their sub-par goaltending, it’s far from the only issue that’s leading to one-sided losses.
Risking his confidence at a time when the entire team is having a hard time finding their rhythm feels like a short-sighted strategy, but there’s always the possibility he will catch lightning in a bottle.
