Canadiens Recall Jacob Fowler for Crucial Senators Matchup
Updated March 11, 2026, 7:45 PM ET | Published March 11, 2026, 10:02 AM ET – Jacob Fowler is returning to the NHL. The Montreal Canadiens have recalled the goaltender from the Laval Rocket on Wednesday morning, a move that signals a strategic shift ahead of a critical game.
Fowler will be the starting goalie for tonight’s important duel against the Ottawa Sénateurs in Ottawa. Head coach Martin St-Louis emphasized the importance of the decision, stating, “The result is important, it’s the best decision for tonight’s game.”
Strategic Recall, Not Injury-Related
The Canadiens organization clarified that the recall isn’t related to any health concerns or injuries to their regular goaltenders, Jakub Dobes and Samuel Montembeault. “He (Fowler) gives us the best chance to win, especially with two games in as many nights,” St-Louis added. This highlights the team’s focus on maximizing performance during a demanding schedule.
This season, Fowler has appeared in 10 NHL games, posting a 4-4-2 record with a 2.62 goals-against average and a .902 save percentage. His last start in a Canadiens uniform was on January 15th against the Buffalo Sabres.
Addressing Montembeault’s Struggles
The recall is also justified by the recent struggles of Montembeault. The Quebec native has a 10-8-4 record this season with a .872 save percentage, placing him among the lower-ranked goaltenders in the NHL. Since the return from the Olympic break, Montembeault has suffered two overtime losses to the Ducks and Islanders, allowing a total of nine goals in two games with a .847 save percentage.
However, St-Louis was careful not to place blame on Montembeault, stating, “It’s not necessarily that. I believe we are a confident group in front of each of our goalies, but it’s a decision you make during a season, it’s a second game in as many nights, and it will be an opportunity for Fowler.”
Dobes’ Recent Success & Rocket Call-Ups
Jakub Dobes defended the net last night against the Toronto Maple Leafs, stopping 18 shots and improving his record to 11-1-2 in his last 14 starts. This demonstrates the team’s confidence in Dobes as well.
In the Rocket’s lineup, Fowler has participated in 27 games with a 19-7-1 record, a 2.23 goals-against average, and a .916 save percentage. The Rocket also recalled defenseman Darick Louis-Jean and goaltender Hunter Jones from the Trois-Rivières Lions.
This strategic move by the Canadiens underscores their commitment to securing a win against the Sénateurs and managing their goaltending resources effectively. Fans will be watching closely to see how Fowler performs in this crucial matchup. For more information on the NHL, visit NHL.com.
©2026 Bell Média All Rights Reserved.
