'6 Goals on 24 Shots': What Canadiens Prospect Jacob Fowler's Rough Night Really Means for His Development
Future Canadiens goalie, according to many observers, Jacob Fowler, had a dreadful game with the Laval Rocket, allowing six goals on 24 shots against the Belleville Senators.
While everything is running smoothly for the Canadiens, this disappointing result in Laval is a reminder that a young goaltender's path to the NHL is not always easy.
According to an article published by DansLesCoulisses.com, Fowler had by far his worst performance since the start of the season.
After an impressive shutout against Abbotsford last Friday, the 20-year-old looked unrecognizable.
Jacob Fowler Is Going Through a Normal Learning Phase in Laval
In three games this season, Fowler has a goals-against average of 3.34 and a save percentage of .884.
Those numbers are fairly disappointing, but I still believe there's nothing concerning about it for a goaltender at the start of his professional career.
But patience is key!
The Rocket's defense was also missing several key players - no David Reinbacher or Josiah Didier - and Marc Del Gaizo had just been recalled by the Canadiens.
Not easy conditions for Fowler.
Fortunately, Laval can count on experienced goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen to help Fowler through this tougher stretch.
With two wins, a 2.01 goals-against average, and a .915 save percentage, Kahkonen is off to a solid start this season.
Before the season began, Fowler spoke about his journey with TSLH:
"For me, it's about earning my spot. Nothing is guaranteed in professional hockey. It's about trying to do my best and keep improving. I'll have to earn every single start. It's about maintaining my work ethic and competing at the highest level. I'm trying to get better, because it's not just about the guys ahead of you, but also the ones behind you. You can't let anyone pass you." - Jacob Fowler
In my opinion, these current struggles are a normal part of development for a young goalie.
I think experiences like this build character and prepare him for the kind of pressure he'll eventually face in Montreal.
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