Canadiens Start Jacob Fowler Against Red Wings in Montreal

On Oct. 10, 2026, the Montreal Canadiens named Jacob Fowler their starting goaltender for the home game against the Detroit Red Wings at Bell Centre after Sam Montembeault's injury forced a change in the crease.

According to CBS Sports, Fowler was recalled from AHL Laval because Montembeault was dealing with a lower body injury. The 21-year-old had allowed three goals in Montreal's 5-2 loss to Nashville on Thursday.

Fowler previously recorded a 9-6-2 record, a 2.43 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage and one shutout in 17 regular-season appearances last season, according to CBS Sports.

The decision also kept Jakub Dobes out of the lineup for a second straight game. Dose.ca reported that Dobes had struggled in his last two starts after opening the season with a strong performance in Toronto.

Montreal's coaching staff chose Fowler after his performance against Nashville, where he stopped 15 of 18 shots, according to Montreal Hockey Fanatics. The outlet reported that the Canadiens believed Juuse Saros was the difference in the loss.

Fowler said Montreal controlled much of the game against Nashville but could not overcome the opposing goaltender's saves.

"We played a good game. In the second period, we were all over them and their goalie made some big saves there, and it sucks to give up that one late," said Jacob Fowler, Canadiens goaltender.

Montreal Hockey Fanatics reported that Fowler and captain Nick Suzuki shared the view that Saros influenced the result. Suzuki had seven points through four games, according to the outlet.

The Red Wings entered the matchup with one win in their first four games of the season, while Montreal awaited Montembeault's return after his practice injury, according to Dose.ca.