Jacob Fowler makes history by leading Canadiens to outdoor win

Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jacob Fowler makes history by leading Canadiens to outdoor win

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Oct 25, 2026 11:18 PM ET

With the NHL taking it outside on Sunday, a young goaltender made history by leading his team to a win.

Montreal Canadiens goalie Jacob Fowler became the youngest netminder to ever start, and then to win an outdoor game. Fowler, at just 21 years old, guided Montreal to a 2-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at the Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg.

Jacob Fowler stepped up to lead Montreal to a win in the Heritage Classic

He made 33 saves on the night, stopping all but one of the Jets' 34 shots. Fowler's strong play in net was also necessary since Winnipeg outshot the Canadiens 34-21 in the game.

Montreal also failed to enjoy even one power-play in the game, compared to four for Winnipeg, although the Jets failed to capitalize and score on any of their opportunities with an extra skater thanks to Fowler.

His 33 saves were the most he's recorded in any game so far this season and only the second time he reached 30. Fowler now holds a 5-1-0 record with a staggering 1.79 goals against average and a save percentage of .924.

AND NOW HE'S THE YOUNGEST TO WIN AN OUTDOOR GAME, TOO!!! #HeritageClassic https://t.co/EHZQeH53jM pic.twitter.com/t5FWjbVo0H
— NHL (@NHL) October 26, 2026

He was 9-6-2 in 17 starts as a rookie last season, posting a respectable 2.43 goals against average and a .908 save percentage.

Montreal has to keep riding Fowler as long as they can

While figured to be behind Jakob Dobes coming into the season, especially after his strong postseason, Fowler has made his claim to be at the top of the depth chart by outplaying his counterpart to this point. Dobes is only 1-2 and has struggled to keep the puck out of the net, registering a 4.47 goals against average and a .847 save mark in his five starts.

Only time will tell if Fowler can remain at this level and if that does in fact mean Montreal will lean on him throughout the rest of the regular season and into the playoffs.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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