Habs Call Up Jacob Fowler Amid Goaltending Struggles

Montreal also calls up Beck and Engstrom.

Following a 6-1 drubbing by the Tampa Bay Lightning, a result that has become far too common as of late, the Habs figured it was time to shake things up. Almost immediately after the game, they called up three players from Laval, forward Owen Beck, defensemen Adam Engstrom, and, most notably, goaltender Jacob Fowler.

Fowler's call-up comes on the heels of another poor performance by Montreal's goaltending, where Dobes and Montembeault each let in three goals. While the defence was shoddy, a few goals let in were savable.

Goaltending has been a huge problem for the Habs this year. Sam Montembeault, the team's starter who played over 60 games last year, has looked like a shell of himself this year. He has a 3.65 goals against average, a .857 save percentage, and only has 5 wins on the season. He's been statistically one of the worst goalies in the league this year.

Dobes hasn't fared much better as of late. After starting the season 6-0-0, he's fallen down to Earth, now posting a 3.15 goals against average and a .887 save percentage. The increased workload is probably the biggest reason for his dropoff, as he's not supposed to be the starter.

Montreal probably wasn't planning on calling Fowler up this season, but they have no choice at this point. Their goaltending has been one of the worst tandems this season, and they're costing the team games right now. This is also probably a message to both goaltenders to get their game in order soon, or they'll be replaced.

Fowler likely gets the start against the Penguins on the road Thursday.

Owen Beck will also probably suit up for a couple of games on the road this week. He'll look to add some offensive production to the bottom 6, which has been invisible the past few weeks.

Adam Engstrom will look to steady a shaky blueline as of now. It's hard to know who he'll replace, most likely Struble or Xhejai, but the defensive coverage has been shocking the past couple of weeks.

Despite all the struggles of late, Montreal remains just outside a playoff spot, with games in hand over some of the teams in the playoffs. Hopefully these callups help the Habs find their groove again.

Article by Jacksen MacLean.