Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

Montreal Canadiens: Craig Button Reveals Why Goalie Jacob Fowler Should Be Starter in Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Glenn Kaplan | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 2:04 PM ET

Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler started a game on Wednesday night against the Ottawa Senators. He was sensational as he recorded 32 saves for Montreal in a 3-2 win over Ottawa.

With the win, Fowler improves to 5-4-2 on the season with a .906 save percentage and a 2.56 GAA, along with one shutout. He was recently recalled up from the minor leagues and has played for the Laval Rocket in the AHL.

Fowler is only 21 years old. He has not played in an NHL game since January 15 against the Buffalo Sabres. It appears as if he has been Montreal's best goalie in a short amount of time. Should Fowler be the starting goalie in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for this team?

Craig Button Believes Jacob Fowler Should Be the Montreal Canadiens Starting Goalie in Postseason

Mar 11, 2026; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler (32) clears the puck in the third period against the Ottawa Senators at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images

Montreal has a 36-18-10 record with 82 points this season. They are currently the third seed in the Atlantic Division. The Canadiens have the same number of points as the Tampa Bay Lightning, and they are four points behind Buffalo for the number one seed in the Atlantic Division.

They most likely will make the playoffs this season and be a force to be reckoned with. One of the biggest questions for the Canadiens will be, who is going to be the starting goalie in the playoffs? Craig Button of TSN believes that Fowler needs to be the starting goalie in the playoffs for Montreal.

Button said, "I don't have any question in my mind the (Canadiens) Game 1 (playoff) starter will be Jacob Fowler."

Despite it just the first game back in two months at the NHL, Button has also seen enough after his start against Ottawa and feels like he will give them the best chance to win. He also added, "(Jacob Fowler) has all of those qualities that are necessary for Stanley Cup success, and I think he gives the Canadiens the best chance when the playoffs begin."

Montreal will not play again until Saturday at home against the San Jose Sharks. If Fowler gets the start again and plays well, then there is no doubt that head coach Martin St. Louis is going to have to keep starting him in net. They have the talent to go on a run. If Fowler is the reason why they can make a run, then the Canadiens need to keep playing him.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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