The Montreal Canadiens are not deviating from their unconventional three-goaltender rotation, with rookie Jacob Fowler set to start in net against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night. The game, scheduled for 7 p.m. and broadcast on TSN2 and RDS, marks another chapter in the team's unique managerial approach between the pipes.
Rotating Netminders and a Returning Defenceman
Jacob Fowler will make his start following strong performances from his colleagues. Samuel Montembeault turned aside 39 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, while Jakub Dobes backstopped the team to a 6-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Monday with 20 saves.
On the blue line, the Canadiens will welcome back defenceman Kaiden Guhle, who missed the game in Washington. He will replace Jayden Struble in the lineup. Guhle's return follows a lengthy absence due to a partially torn adductor muscle that required surgery on October 16.
The young defender explained the decision to sit out in Washington was part of a managed plan. "It's kind of a plan we had, I guess," Guhle stated. "Got in pretty late and I haven't played in three months. So more than anything... it was just more about a precautionary thing." He emphasized the difficulty of the choice but acknowledged it was a consensus decision with the medical and coaching staffs.
The Three-Goalie Conundrum and Standings Pressure
The Canadiens' current system sees Fowler with a 4-3-2 record, a 2.46 GAA, and a .908 save percentage since his call-up. Montembeault holds an 8-6-2 record, and Dobes leads the trio in wins at 14-5-3. General Manager Kent Hughes recently admitted the arrangement is less than ideal.
"We're playing five games in seven days," Hughes said last week. "We're not worried about the goalies not getting action but, ideally, we wouldn't have three goalies long-term." He declined to name a true number one, stating, "The goalie that will play the best will play the most."
The strategy carries historical baggage for Montreal, who faced developmental challenges with a similar three-goalie setup two seasons ago involving Cayden Primeau. The situation leaves Dobes, despite his winning record, as the most likely candidate for a return to the AHL's Laval Rocket for more consistent playing time. Dobes himself expressed a desire to stay, telling reporters, "I feel like if I keep winning, I'll be just fine."
Playoff Positioning in the Atlantic Division
The Thursday night clash carries significant weight in the tightly contested Atlantic Division. The Canadiens (26-14-7) sit in third place with 59 points, just two points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning (29-13-3) and one point behind the Detroit Red Wings (28-16-4), both of whom are idle on Thursday.
Their opponents, the Buffalo Sabres (25-16-4), are in fourth place with 54 points. They trail Montreal by five points but hold two games in hand, entering the match on a formidable 14-2 run over their last 16 games. The outcome will be crucial for solidifying playoff positioning as the season progresses.
