Expect to see Jacob Fowler play tonight

The Canadiens are in New York to face the Rangers tonight.

One might wonder if Martin St-Louis planned to make any changes to his lineup, considering that things are going pretty well for the team right now.

And clearly, the answer is no for the skaters. Adam Engstrom is therefore set to sit out again.

No changes to the @CanadiensMTL lineup in morning practice. @TVASports

— Renaud Lavoie (@RLavoieTVA) April 2, 2026

On offense, the only “healthy” extra is Patrik Laine… but he's not an option. Kirby Dach and Alexandre Texier are in Brossard, having skated at the CN Complex.

Alexandre Carrier too, by the way.

Alexandre Carrier, Alexandre Texier, and Kirby Dach are on the ice in full gear this morning in Brossard.@DLCoulisses #GoHabsGo #Dach #Carrier #Texier pic.twitter.com/TVc0j0lup2

— Patrick Guillet (@PatGuillet) April 2, 2026

But it's in front of the net where Martin St-Louis seems to have a surprise in store for us. I say “seems to have” because nothing has been confirmed.

Jacob Fowler is expected to start. He went through the starter's routine, anyway.

Jacob Fowler vs @NYRangers @CanadiensMTL @TVASports

— Renaud Lavoie (@RLavoieTVA) April 2, 2026

Jakub Dobes, who's on fire, isn't in the lineup for a playoff race. Did the Habs decide to give him some rest?

Or did the team choose to give Fowler ice time rather than keep him on the bench? Because even if the result is the same, there's a difference between choosing to play Fowler and choosing to rest Dobes.

Details to follow…