Jacob Fowler earns weekly honours as Habs roll on — Canadiens evening report

Jacob Fowler owned the news cycle around the Canadiens on Monday. According to La Presse, the young Montreal netminder was named the NHL’s third star of the week, recognition that comes right as he is forcing his way into the spotlight in the Habs’ crease.

Fowler’s Heritage Classic statement

On Sunday, the Canadiens edged the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in the NHL Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium, as noted by Daily Faceoff. Eyes on the Prize points out that Fowler dominated that outdoor game and that, for the second straight outing, Montreal protected a two-goal lead in the third period, this time hanging on for a one-goal victory.

The Hockey News also highlights Fowler’s performance at the Heritage Classic. The Hockey Writers goes a step further, writing that Fowler is making a strong case to become the Canadiens’ number-one goalie. That outlet notes he was recalled after Samuel Montembeault’s injury, a move that opened the door for his current breakout.

A team trending up and noise on the rumour front

La Presse underlines that the Canadiens have won five of their last seven games, riding a dominant goalie and a penalty kill that has stopped giving up goals, raising the question of whether the team has truly turned a corner. The Hockey Writers, meanwhile, revisits the 2023 trade that brought Alex Newhook from Colorado to Montreal, an acquisition that sparked plenty of debate at the time.

On the rumour front, The Hockey Writers touches on the circumstances around the Winnipeg Jets trading Connor Hellebuyck, while The Hockey News reports that some pundits wonder if Dylan Larkin could eventually change his stance and add Montreal to his list of trade destinations. The same piece notes that other clubs such as the Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings are also part of the centre-market chatter.

Looking ahead to St. Louis

In the standings, the Canadiens sit fifth in the Atlantic Division with 14 points in 11 games (6-3-2), a solid early cushion in a busy opening month. Next up is a road date with the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday at 8 p.m. Montreal time. Fresh off the spectacle of the Heritage Classic and Fowler’s weekly honours, the Habs will try to prove this run is more than just a hot week in October.