The Montreal Canadiens earned a critical 4-1 road victory over the Nashville Predators, their fourth in a row. This win is crucial in their effort to secure a playoff spot in an extremely competitive Atlantic Division. The team has surpassed their 91-point total from last season, with 10 games remaining. The new goaltending tandem of Jacob Fowler and Jakub Dobes has been fundamental in this success.

Despite Sam Montembeault's good performance in the 2024-25 season, he hasn't been as consistent as the other two goalies, which has generated debate about who should be the starter. The performance of the players on the ice should reflect the quality of their game, and in this sense, Fowler and Dobes have proven their worth.

Jacob Fowler has shown an impressive performance, with a record of 7-5-2, a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.59, and a save percentage (SV%) of .903. Although a goal prevented Fowler from earning the shutout, it is important to highlight that the Canadiens have only had one shutout this season, and it was thanks to Fowler in the 4-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on December 20. Dobes, on the other hand, has a record of 24-8-4, with a GAA of 2.83 and a SV% of .898, surpassing the league averages. Since his debut in December, Dobes has a SV% of .907.

Dobes has emerged as a difference-maker, with 10.8 goals saved above expected, ranking 14th in the league, according to MoneyPuck.com. This data is an argument for the Canadiens to give him a chance, after having been one of the league leaders last season. In 2025-26, Montembeault is in 74th place with a rating of -4.9.

Montembeault's inconsistency has led to comparisons between Fowler and Carey Price, including by Price himself. Dobes has tied Price's 24 wins in his rookie season (2007-08), and is one win away from fourth place in history among Canadiens rookies. On March 26, 2026, Carey Price was asked which current NHL goalie reminded him of himself, and he named Jacob Fowler, according to The Sick Podcast with Tony Marinaro.

Logic suggests that Dobes could be the starter, given his experience and recent performance, with a SV% of .931 in his last seven games. However, Fowler has the element of surprise in his favor, as few teams have faced him often. The decision of who will start the playoffs is crucial for the success of the Canadiens.

The team's strategy could influence the decision, considering that in back-to-back games, the goalie with the best performance is usually chosen for the first game. Fowler won the previous game, and Dobes would likely play against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canadiens seem to hold Fowler in high regard, who was a top-tier goaltending prospect before the season.

The Canadiens need two reliable goalies, and it seems they have them, regardless of who the starter is. Dobes has the edge, but anything can happen, as demonstrated by Saturday night's game.