The Montreal Canadiens (15-11-3) are set to face the Pittsburgh Penguins (14-7-7), with the puck drop scheduled for 7:00 pm ET.
All eyes are on netminder Jacob Fowler, who was recalled from the AHL following a very difficult stretch for Canadiens goaltenders. Despite the clear-cut message being sent, head coach Martin St-Louis insisted the Canadiens are simply evaluating Fowler’s development, and that he wasn’t even sure Fowler would play for the Habs.
Of course, despite the poorly applied smokescreen, Fowler will play in the NHL. In fact, he’s going to start Thursday’s game versus the Penguins.
Fowler, 21, has played 18 regular-season games in the AHL, and has managed to produce very encouraging numbers, to the tune of a .918 save percentage in that stretch.
There’s no doubt he can help Montreal’s goaltending situation, but he won’t singlehandedly solve the lack of defensive structure, which leads to a bevy of high-danger scoring chances for opponents on a nightly basis.
Fowler’s tracking, in particular, is considered elite, and he possesses fantastic positioning. He is known to use his energy sparingly due to his anticipation, which may give the impression he’s not very active, but it’s simply a matter of preparation.
When Fowler does have to make a desperation save, his agility comes to the forefront.
Jacob Fowler is out there making 5v3 saves look easy. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/1wiZf6kaBO
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) November 20, 2025
Line Changes
Seeing as Jake Evans is currently absent from the team due to “personal reasons”, the Canadiens will run new forward lines.
Zachary Bolduc is once again set to play on the first line, while Juraj Slafkovsky reunites with Oliver Kapanen and Ivan Demidov on the second line. Owen Beck, who was recalled alongside Fowler, is expected to anchor the third line, while Joe Veleno maintains his position as the team’s fourth-line centre.
The only other expected lineup change will see Adam Engstrom replace Arber Xhekaj on the third pairing.
For the view from the other side of the puck, don’t forget to visit Pittsburgh Hockey Now.
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Zachary Bolduc
Juraj Slafkovsky – Oliver Kapanen – Ivan Demidov
Josh Anderson – Owen Beck – Alexandre Texier
Jared Davidson – Joe Veleno – Brendan Gallagher
Mike Matheson – Noah Dobson
Jayden Struble – Lane Hutson
Adam Engstrom – Alexandre Carrier
Jacob Fowler
Pittsburgh Penguins Projected Lineup
Tommy Novak – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust
Anthony Mantha – Kevin Hayes – Justin Brazeau
Rutger McGroarty – Ben Kindel – Ville Koivunen
Connor Dewar – Danton Heinen – Noel Acciari
Parker Wotherspoon – Erik Karlsson
Ryan Shea – Kris Letang
Ryan Graves – Connor Clifton
Tristan Jarry
How To Watch The Habs Vs. The Penguins
The Montreal Canadiens versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, Thursday, December 11, 2025, will be aired on TSN2 and RDS. An instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Sportsnaut as soon as the final whistle blows.
