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Canadiens name starting goalie ahead of Atlantic Division clash vs. Red Wings


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Elias Edmonson
January 10, 2026  (10:52)
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January 7, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Montreal Canadiens players, including goaltenders Jacob Fowler (32) and Jakub Dobes (75), celebrate the win against the Calgary Flames at the Bell Centre.
Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

We have a verdict on the identity of the Montreal Canadiens' starting goaltender for Saturday night's game against the Detroit Red Wings, and it comes as a surprise.

Jakub Dobes is skipped once again, with young Jacob Fowler getting the start in tonight's game.

Jakub Dobes is skipped once again and Jacob Fowler is named starting goalie to face the Red Wings

What a turnaround compared to just a few weeks ago, when Dobes was stringing together starts and was the team's number-one goaltender.
Jacob Fowler will face the Red Wings tonight, and it's an important game for the Habs, that says a lot, in my opinion!

Jakub Dobes has played just one game since December 21. That's very little. At this point, he should be sent to Laval.

- MOB
This is a decision that draws attention, especially after the busy stretch of the past few days. Fowler is not arriving here as a complete unknown.
On Thursday, December 11, in Pittsburgh, he earned his first NHL win with 36 saves on 38 shots. A first outing that quickly put his name into the conversation.
Then, on Saturday, December 20, he made an even bigger statement at the Bell Centre. He recorded his first NHL shutout by stopping 31 shots against the Penguins (once again).
Two clear moments, two numbers that speak for themselves and that may have led to today's decision.
The timing of this decision is interesting, because the Canadiens often find themselves with questions in goal. When a young goaltender wins games, the debate doesn't pause, even when everything is going well.
Tonight, fans will be closely watching how the situation in goal is managed.
Samuel Montembeault and Jakub Dobes remain in the picture, and every start by Fowler shifts the order of things.
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Canadiens name starting goalie ahead of Atlantic Division clash vs. Red Wings

Who will win tonight's game?

Habs62158.1 %
Wings44841.9 %
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