Jacob Fowler for Game 1: That’s what Pierre McGuire would do

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Jacob Fowler for Game 1: That’s what Pierre McGuire would do
Credit: Justin Berl/Getty Images

People are wondering about the Canadiens' lineup for the playoffs. That's normal.

On offense, two players will have to join Patrik Laine in the press box. And on defense, Alexandre Carrier's situation is a game-changer, after all.

Especially without Noah Dobson, who just had surgery…

But in net, there aren't too many questions. We suspect that Jakub Dobes, who has been the team's go-to guy for weeks, will be the #1. Jacob Fowler, for his part, will likely serve as the #2.

And Samuel Montembeault, who was the starter in the 2025 playoffs before getting injured, will logically be the odd man out.

But that doesn't stop Pierre McGuire, who has always loved Fowler, from saying that the American would be his choice if he were in a position to pick the goalie for Sunday's game.

He discussed this on the Sick Podcast – The Eye Test.

McGuire feels that Fowler is calmer, more in control, and unflappable. Without wanting to criticize Dobes, whom he considers good, the analyst believes that Fowler is the “safer” choice right now.

We all agree that won't happen. Because Dobes, even though he's scored nine goals in his last two games, is the reason the Canadiens are in the playoffs right now.

One of the reasons, at least.

Note: I'm not saying Fowler will never play. If Dobes, who has three games of playoff experience from last year, falters, Martin St-Louis will have a decision to make.

But as long as things go well, the Habs' No. 1 goalie is the one who'll get the chance to play. The opposite would be truly, truly surprising, given the facts.

And if a different decision were to be made regarding the goalies in the middle of the playoffs, don't count on Martin St-Louis to talk about it in front of the media.


In a nutshell

– Oh no?

– Auston Matthews says he loves being the Maple Leafs' captain.

– Craig Berube says he expects to stay in Toronto.

– Ouch.

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