BREAKING: Canadiens‘ 21-year-old rookie stuns Crosby’s Penguins with 4-0 shutout in Montreal
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MONTRÉAL – jacob Fowler, just 21 years old, secured his first NHL win in his initial start last Thursday in Pittsburgh. A little over a week later, he celebrated his first home victory against the same Penguins, the team he grew up watching.
In his fourth game between the pipes for Montreal, Fowler posted the first shutout of his budding career, turning aside 31 shots in a 4-0 win over Sidney Crosby and company. The quiet confidence he’s shown since stepping into the Canadiens’ crease was on full display as Montreal shut down a Penguins squad known for its pressure.
“Sidney Crosby and Marc-André Fleury were the players I admired most growing up,” Fowler said in the postgame interview, smiling at the memory. “I’ve even shared the same ice cream with Crosby twice. When the puck drops, I want to stop every attempt he makes. But I can’t help thinking he’s a hero of mine.”
with the performance, Fowler became the third youngest Canadiens goalie to post a shutout, behind icons Patrick Roy (20 years, 102 days) and Carey Price (20 years, 184 days).Montreal’s fans roared as his name rang out through the arena during the closing moments and again in the postgame interview as the first star of the game.
“That was wild,” Fowler admitted with a broad grin. “I don’t feel like I’ve earned this yet. It might become addictive.I’d love to hear my name called more frequently enough.”
The Canadiens are expected to juggling their goaltending approach as they head into another Pittsburgh visit this weekend. Samuel Montembeault,who has split starts with the Laval Rocket,is set to join Fowler and Jakub Dobes in the big club’s room as Montreal charts its roster strategy.
Montembeault has had a tougher night lately,allowing four goals in a 5-2 loss to Cleveland,then rebounding to a tougher 2-0 defeat while facing a steady barrage. Nonetheless of management’s approach, Fowler has already made a case for his long-term role.
Over four appearances, the Floridian has posted a 2-1-1 record with a 2.49 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage.He stressed the importance of taking it one day at a time as he continues to grow with the Canadiens.
“I’ve always trusted my abilities,” Fowler said. “I didn’t expect to spend significant time in Montreal this season, but I’m determined to stay in front of the net and keep improving.” He praised his teammates for blocking key shots down the stretch, noting the contributions of Nick Suzuki and Joseph Veleno as pivotal late-game defenses.
In a tense final sequence, Lane Hutson held the puck behind Montreal’s net as Rutger McGroarty watched from the corner. Hutson’s pass attempt slipped to the left, where Oliver Kapanen recovered the puck to secure the shutout for Fowler.
“I’ll pocket another puck for my dad,” Fowler joked, a souvenir to crown the moment.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | Montreal Canadiens vs Pittsburgh Penguins |
| Date (context) | Fourth NHL start for Fowler; follow-up home win last week |
| Result | Montreal 4, Pittsburgh 0 |
| Saves | 31 |
| Shutout | Yes – first of Fowler’s career |
| Age | 21 years, 26 days |
| Record (four games) | 2-1-1 |
| GAA | 2.49 |
| Save Percentage | .915 |
Evergreen takeaways
Fowler’s early-career breakthrough highlights the growing depth in Montreal’s goaltending corps. If he maintains this level, it could shape future decisions around netminder growth and depth, a perpetual theme for teams balancing veteran presence with youth.
His admiration for Crosby underscores how young athletes carry early influences into their professional journeys, fueling resilience and ambition on big stages. The narrative of a hometown dream realized in the NHL resonates beyond the rink, offering a template for other young players eager to prove themselves under pressure.
What to watch next
Montreal returns to Pittsburgh this weekend as part of a busy goaltending rotation. How the coaching staff balances Montembeault, Fowler, and Dobes will be watched closely as the Canadiens navigate a season in which young talents are stepping up in meaningful ways.
Engagement
Do you think Fowler can sustain this momentum as Montreal’s primary option in goal? What impact could this breakout have on the Canadiens’ season trajectory?
Share your thoughts and reactions in the comments below.
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