Fowler’s Excellent Playoff Stats Changes Canadiens Goalie Debate

When the Montreal Canadiens were forced to recall Cayden Primeau from the AHL due to Samuel Montembeault’s injury, the prevailing narrative was that he’d serve as the team’s backup for a couple of playoff games before heading back to Laval to resume his role as the team’s starter.

After all, Primeau enjoyed a dominant stretch since joining the Rocket, putting together the type of season most young goaltenders can only dream about, including a 22-2-2 record, not to mention an excellent .927 save percentage. Consequently, it’s fair to say Primeau was among the best goaltenders in the AHL this season, with a strong argument to be made that he reigned supreme.

He also played a crucial role in ensuring Laval finished the season as the top team in the league.

All signs pointed to Primeau as the most logical choice to serve as the team’s starter in the playoffs.

But now that he and Oliver Kapanen are back in Laval, the situation must be reevaluated.

Les Canadiens ont cédé Oliver Kapanen et Cayden Primeau au Rocket de Laval.

The Canadiens have loaned Oliver Kapanen and Cayden Primeau to the Laval Rocket. pic.twitter.com/fvEpaeGpTK

— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) May 3, 2025

There Is Another

The fact that Primeau was in Montreal for a very brief stretch opened the door to Jacob Fowler, and now that the rookie netminder has had an opportunity to play a few games, it’s quite clear that adapting to life in a professional setting is going well for the former Boston College Eagles starter.

On Friday, Fowler stopped all 20 shots sent his way as the Rocket flat-out dominated the Cleveland Monsters, winning 4-0 via one of the best defensive outings the team has enjoyed all season. The latter could be used as an argument in Primeau’s favour, but the former is impossible to dismiss.

Probably the best chance for Cleveland in a while. Fowler all over it. Didn’t have to move.

Still 2-0 Laval. pic.twitter.com/U0QP91Ci43

— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) May 3, 2025

Simply put, the younger goaltender has been very good, to the point that you can’t ignore his .956 save percentage in the playoffs. Yes, the sample size is limited, and Fowler has not been overly busy, but he’s also in the zone, so to speak, and riding a hot goalie has led many teams to success. Additionally, we need to recognize that Fowler does represent the future of goaltending in the Canadiens organization.

Laval is aiming for a Calder Cup championship, and for the time being, it seems like Fowler is ready to run the final stretch of the marathon.

Of course, it’s unfair toward Primeau, especially since the entire situation was out of his control. If not for Montembeault’s injury, he’d certainly be Laval’s best option.

But such is life in a professional sports setting, a reality Primeau knows all too well given that he suffered through one of the worst development plans put in place for any prospect in recent team history.

Fortunately, even though Primeau may get squeezed out of the starter’s role, his fantastic work in the AHL this season should provide him with a chance to prove his worth to another organization should the Canadiens decide not to extend his expiring contract this summer.

Game 3 of the series between the Laval Rocket and the Cleveland Monsters is set for Sunday, at Place Bell. The puck drop is scheduled for 3 pm ET.