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Surprise: Jacob Fowler may play tonight’s game

Originally posted on Dose.ca | Last updated May 28, 2025 12:33 PM ET

For the Rocket, Cayden Primeau won all three games in the series against Rochester and Jacob Fowler lost both. In the previous series, it was the other way around: 3-0 for Fowler and 0-1 for Primeau.

We therefore expected to see Cayden Primeau, who finished Game #4 against the Amerks and blanked the opposing club in Sunday’s final game, back in net tonight, on the heels of Game #1 of the semi-final series against the Checkers.

But Pascal Vincent is likely to send Jacob Fowler. At least, he’s been practicing as a starter, which is often a very big clue.

Jacob Fowler is the first to leave the ice. The alternating system continues.

– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) May 28, 2025

You’d think the alternating system would come to an end, but clearly the Canadiens are keen to see what’s in Fowler’s body after his nasty outing against Rochester last Friday.

And I don’t hate it. I think Primeau deserved the net until he stumbled, but sending Fowler back to see what he’s got is a good thing for his development as a young goalie.

If he ever drops it, there’ll still be time to catch up. This series is a 4-de-7.

Clearly, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton have made the decision, since it’s safe to assume that Cayden Primeau would have been Pascal Vincent’s choice tonight. But we’re speculating here.

As for the rest of the line-up, don’t expect to see any changes. Filip Mesar has taken Laurent Dauphin’s place on the first line, but that’s just to warm his seat while the Québécois undergoes treatment.

After all, Laurent Dauphin and Xavier Simoneau will be playing tonight.

We should see the same line-up on the Rocket side tonight for Game 1. Filip Mesar takes Laurent Dauphin’s place (treatments) on the first trio. Arseneau, Tuch and Kidney the extras on forward; Sévigny on defense.

– Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) May 28, 2025