Jacob Fowler stopped all 30 shots he faced, Zachary Bolduc delivered the shootout winner, and the Montreal Canadiens finally found a way to win after three consecutive losses. However, their power-play struggles remain a significant concern.
The Montreal Canadiens desperately needed a win, and Jacob Fowler made sure they got one.
Behind a spectacular performance from their 21-year-old goaltender, the Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings 1-0 in a shootout Saturday night at the Bell Centre. Fowler stopped all 30 shots he faced in regulation and overtime before Zachary Bolduc scored in the sixth round of the shootout to secure the victory.
Montreal improved to 2-2-1, snapping a three-game losing streak and giving its fans several reasons for optimism.
However, despite the victory, questions remain about the team’s special teams, offensive execution, and goaltending decisions heading into its next game.
Jacob Fowler Delivers a Statement Performance
If there was one player who deserved the spotlight Saturday night, it was Jacob Fowler.
Making his second consecutive start, the young goaltender delivered a flawless performance against a Detroit team that gradually found its offensive rhythm as the game progressed.
Fowler finished with 30 saves, repeatedly keeping the Canadiens in the game when the Red Wings threatened to break the deadlock.
His performance was particularly impressive while Montreal was shorthanded. Detroit generated dangerous opportunities, but Fowler remained composed, displaying quick reflexes, excellent positioning, and the ability to recover rapidly after making his initial save.
One of his biggest moments came early in the third period when Andrew Copp broke in alone. Fowler extended his left pad to deny Copp’s backhand attempt and preserve the scoreless tie.
Alex DeBrincat and Viktor Arvidsson were also among the Detroit forwards who were unable to solve him.
Fowler’s performance was especially encouraging because his previous start had included goals resulting from deflections and traffic in front of the net. Against Detroit, he demonstrated that he could respond with confidence and deliver when the team needed him.
The biggest question now is whether Fowler has done enough to earn another start.
With Jakub Dobeลก also competing for playing time, Montreal’s goaltending decisions will be worth watching. Fowler has given the coaching staff a compelling reason to consider keeping him in the crease.
Zachary Bolduc Plays the Hero After Three Disallowed Goals
For a game that finished without a goal in 65 minutes of hockey, there was certainly no shortage of drama.
Montreal appeared to have scored three times during regulation and overtime, but all three goals were disallowed.
Cole Caufield thought he had opened the scoring early in the first period. However, a video review determined that the puck had not completely crossed the goal line.
Bolduc later saw a goal taken off the board in the second period because Jake Evans interfered with Detroit goaltender Daniil Tarasov in the crease.
The most painful moment for Montreal’s fans came in overtime.
Alexandre Texier appeared to have scored the winning goal with an excellent shot, but the play was ruled offside because Bolduc had entered the zone illegally.
Instead of celebrating a dramatic overtime victory, the Canadiens had to settle the game in a shootout.
Bolduc ultimately made the difference, scoring in the sixth round by beating Tarasov five-hole. Fowler then stopped Nate Danielson to seal the victory.
It was a satisfying response from Bolduc, who had already experienced the frustration of seeing one of his goals disallowed earlier in the game.
Kaiden Guhle’s Return Provides a Welcome Boost
The Canadiens also received encouraging news from the blue line with Kaiden Guhle returning to action.
After missing training camp and Montreal’s first four games, the defenseman looked comfortable in his return.
Guhle brought physicality, delivered strong body checks, moved the puck effectively, and made intelligent decisions under pressure. He also generated a quality scoring opportunity.
His return is important for a Montreal defense that needs consistency, physical strength, and reliable puck movement.
Guhle has struggled to stay healthy throughout his NHL career, making his ability to return and contribute immediately particularly encouraging.
If he can remain in the lineup, he could play a significant role in helping Montreal reach its objectives this season.
The Canadiens will need him to maintain that level of play while avoiding another extended absence.
The Power Play Remains a Major Concern
Montreal may have earned two points, but its power play continues to be a problem.
The Canadiens went 0-for-4 against Detroit, failing to capitalize on four opportunities with the man advantage.
After five games, Montreal has scored just one power-play goal on 17 opportunities.
That translates to a power-play success rate of just 5.9%.
The number is concerning because the Canadiens have struggled to convert opportunities into goals, potentially costing themselves valuable points in otherwise competitive games.
The problem is not simply the lack of goals. Montreal needs to generate more dangerous chances, move the puck with greater urgency, and find ways to create sustained pressure around the opposing net.
Against Detroit, the Canadiens were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, allowing the Red Wings to remain in a game that Montreal had initially controlled.
A more productive power play could make a significant difference as the season progresses.
The Canadiens are scheduled to host the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, giving the coaching staff another opportunity to address the issue.
If Montreal wants to become a more consistent offensive team, improving its special teams must be a priority.
Bell Centre Crowd Sends a Message About Dylan Larkin
One of the night’s most unusual storylines had little to do with the action on the ice.
Throughout the game, Canadiens fans repeatedly chanted, “We Want Larkin!”
The chants were directed at Detroit captain Dylan Larkin, with Montreal supporters making their interest in the forward unmistakably clear.
According to the original report, Larkin has not included Montreal among the teams to which he would accept a trade.
Nevertheless, the crowd took a positive approach, attempting to persuade him rather than expressing its displeasure.
The chants reportedly began in the opening minutes and were heard at least four times during the first period alone.
The situation was particularly interesting because Detroit’s interim general manager, Shawn Horcoff, was in attendance.
Whether the chants have any influence on the situation remains to be seen. For now, they offer a glimpse into what some Canadiens fans would like to see the organization pursue.
The episode also added an unexpected storyline to a game that otherwise revolved around goaltending, disallowed goals, and special-teams struggles.
Final Thoughts: A Necessary Win, but Plenty of Work Remains
The Canadiens can take several positives from Saturday night’s victory.
Fowler delivered a shutout in his second consecutive start, Bolduc stepped up in the shootout, and Guhle made an encouraging return to the lineup.
Most importantly, Montreal ended its three-game losing streak and regained some momentum.
However, one victory does not erase the team’s concerns.
The power play remains ineffective, and the Canadiens need to find ways to turn offensive opportunities into goals rather than relying on outstanding goaltending to keep games close.
Fowler has also made the goaltending situation more interesting. His performance against Detroit raises a legitimate question about who should start the next game.
The Canadiens will now turn their attention to the Buffalo Sabres on Tuesday, looking to build on this victory and improve their early-season record.
For Montreal, the challenge is clear: turn a much-needed win into the beginning of a more consistent stretch of hockey.
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