3. Saves Above Projected
NHL EDGE IQ insight 📊: Fowler ranks second in the League in Saves Above Projected (plus-8.76) behind Oettinger (plus-10.86).
The Canadiens have outscored their opponents 17-11 with Fowler in net this season. But, while his goal differential (plus-6) is much better than Dobes’ differential (minus-4; 20 goals for, 24 goals against), it ranks far from the League leader (Pyotr Kochetkov of Carolina Hurricanes has plus-20). Fowler’s 2.38 of goal support per game ranks 39th out of the 43 goalies to play at least six games this season, indicating the Canadiens could still have more to give once Suzuki and Demidov return.
Fowler joined Rogie Vachon (1966-67) and Carey Price (2007-08) as the only goalies in Canadiens history at age 21 or younger to win six straight games. He has seven consecutive road wins dating back to last season. Only three rookie goalies in NHL history have had a longer streak: Brent Johnson (11 wins from 1998-99 to 2000-01), Joseph Woll (eight from 2022-23 to 2023-24), and Pelle Lindbergh (eight from 1982-83). The NHL record for consecutive wins by a rookie goalie is 12 (Ross Brooks of Boston Bruins from Dec. 30, 1973 to Feb. 28, 1974.)
Montreal, which had the Calder Trophy winner in 2024 (Lane Hutson) and runner-up in 2025 (Demidov), made the Eastern Conference Final last season and is equipped for another deep postseason run this season. With Fowler having a high ceiling this season in the Calder race and also in the years to come with potential Vezina Trophy consideration if/when he becomes the Canadiens’ full-time starter, Montreal’s young core continues to blossom and could lead them to even greater heights, whether the Atlantic Division title and/or the Stanley Cup Final.