Jacob Fowler will face the Flames (even though it was Jakub Dobes’ turn)

The Canadiens will play four games in six days at the Bell Centre, starting tonight when the Flames come to town. Along with the Canucks and Jets, the Flames are one of the NHL's three worst teams in the overall standings. Three Canadian teams…

In short, we have to win tonight, in front of our fans ( sorry Kris!)… even if the first home game back from a long trip is often complicated and the Bell Centre is far from being a fortress this season for the Canadiens.

Who will be the starting goaltender tonight? None other than Jacob Fowler.

Jacob Fowler will be the starting goalie against the Flames tonight.@RDSca

– Patrick Friolet (@PFrioletRDS) January 7, 2026

You know what's interesting about giving Fowler the net tonight? Martin St-Louis and Éric Raymond broke the perfect three-man rotation.

December 28: Fowler
December 30: Montembeault
January 1: Dobes
January 3: Fowler
January 4: Montembeault
January 7: Dobes Fowler

In short, it was Dobes' turn, theoretically, but it was Fowler who was sent into the fray.

Why send Fowler, and not Dobes? Good question! You have to admit, though, that Fowler is solid in front of his net; he's the most consistent goalie and the one with the best stats this season.

Let's see what he can do tonight.

Is Dobes being passed over today a sign that, in the end, he'll be returning to Laval, not Fowler? Or is it just to give Fowler one last start before returning to the Rocket?

Remember that Fowler and Dobes are not eligible for waivers, so they can easily be returned to Laval.

We'll see who gets the start tomorrow against the Panthers before making any final decisions…

The rest of the lineup
To be determined. To be continued.