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Jacob Fowler delivered a standout performance in goal, propelling the Montreal Canadiens to a 1-0 shootout win against the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night.
Goaltending dominated the contest, with Fowler and Detroit's Daniil Tarasov each making 30 saves through 65 minutes of play.
The stalemate persisted into the shootout, where Zach Bolduc, the Canadiens' sixth shooter, finally broke through with the only goal that counted.
Montreal appeared to score three times during the game, but each tally was waved off.
The first came just 1:20 into the opening period when Cole Caufield seemed to beat Tarasov from along the goal line, but video review could not locate the puck, and the goal was disallowed.
In the second period, Bolduc found the net, but the goal was overturned due to goaltender interference, as Jake Evans was positioned in the crease.
The third disallowed goal occurred in overtime when Bolduc was ruled offside just before Alexandre Texier scored.
Here is the Sick Media Montreal Canadiens Postgame: THREE STARS: 1. Jacob Fowler: 30 saves, 6/6 in shootout 2. Daniil Tarasov: 30 saves, 5/6 in shootout 3. Zach Bolduc: shootout-winning goal
CLUTCH: Jacob Fowler's performance on Saturday ranks as the most clutch by a Montreal Canadien this season. He not only stopped all 30 shots in regulation and overtime plus all six shootout attempts, but also faced high-quality chances. Fowler made multiple key saves on breakaways and penalty kills to keep Detroit scoreless.
UNSUNG HERO: Zach Bolduc was the unsung hero for Montreal. Beyond scoring the shootout winner, he remained a constant threat around the Red Wings' net throughout the game. Earning the decisive goal was fitting, as no Canadien deserved it more. Bolduc recorded three shots on goal in 15:48 of ice time.
An honourable mention goes to defenseman Kaiden Guhle, who made his season debut. Guhle provided a steady physical presence that seemed to settle the team's defense. He finished with four hits in 15:35 of play.
SPECIAL SAUCE: The Canadiens' power play went 0-for-4, while their penalty kill was a perfect 4-for-4.
THE BANGERS: Guhle's four hits tied with forward Josh Anderson for the team lead. Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider led all players with six hits.
SIN-BIN: Montreal's power play struggles persisted against Detroit. Despite controlling play and generating multiple opportunities, the Canadiens repeatedly passed up shooting chances in search of the perfect play, which was not available. They are now 1-for-17 on the man advantage following the game, and without Fowler's strong play, it could have cost them another two points. The Canadiens cannot afford to keep looking for the perfect play on the power play.
Cole Caufield appeared to score early in the first period, but the play was deemed inconclusive regarding whether the puck fully crossed the line, and the goal was overturned after review. Given that the original call on the ice was a goal, the initial decision should have stood since the evidence was inconclusive. It is not to say that calling no goal was wrong, but controversy exists because there was no conclusive evidence to overturn the call.
UP NEXT: The Canadiens will conclude their four-game home stand on Tuesday night against the Buffalo Sabres at 6:30 pm ET. They will then travel to face the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night at 7:30 pm ET.
HOW THEY LINED UP: Forwards: Cole Caufield – Nick Suzuki – Juraj Slafkovsky; Chris Kreider – Alex Newhook – Josh Anderson; Alexandre Texier – Phillip Danault – Zach Bolduc; Jake Evans – Kirby Dach. Defense: Mike Matheson – Alexandre Carrier; Lane Hutson – Noah Dobson; Arber Xhekaj – Adam Engstrom; Kaiden Guhle. Goalies: Jacob Fowler, Jakub Dobes.
For the best live postgame analysis of every Montreal Canadiens game on weeknights, watch the Sick Podcasts Postgame with Tony Marinaro, Pierre McGuire, Marco D'Amico, and guests! More must-reads: Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
Originally reported by yardbarker.