Jacob Fowler sends a clear message to Kent Hughes and things could get heated

Fowler is forcing a decision within the Canadiens. He has once again sent a clear message to Kent Hughes with another solid outing, and things could start moving soon.

Could it be, to everyone's surprise, that Jakub Dobes is the one sent back to the Laval Rocket?

One thing is certain: Fowler does not want to return to the Laval Rocket, and his numbers make a strong case (especially since Martin St-Louis clearly seems to trust him).

The irony is that this situation comes at the exact same time Kent Hughes spoke about patience and goaltending management during his mid-season press conference.

When your rookie goaltender is giving you results and wins like this, patience quickly becomes a headache.

Fowler was drafted 69th overall in 2023, and he had already played 7 games this season with the Montreal Canadiens (before tonight).

After seven starts, his record stood at 3-2-2, with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.

Following Wednesday night's game, that record has improved to 4-2-2, along with even more impressive numbers: a .912 save percentage and a 2.37 goals-against average.

On December 20 at the Bell Centre, he made a major statement with a shutout against the Penguins.

That night, he stopped all 31 shots he faced.

Today, he delivered a similar performance.

Saturday in St. Louis, even in a 2-0 loss, he limited the damage with 17 saves on 19 shots.

The point is that the Canadiens do not want to stretch out a three-goalie rotation for too long.

If Hughes keeps repeating that one of the three will eventually move, Fowler may have just made that decision easier.

More to follow in the coming hours!

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Czechia reveals Olympic roster as Jakub Dobes' fate is confirmed