Jacob Fowler, BC battle Northeastern in HEA tournament quarterfinal

Jacob Fowler and the Boston College Eagles battle the Northeastern University Huskies in the quarter finals of the Hockey East tournament.

Puck drop is at 7:30, and the contest marks the start of Fowler's second season of NCAA postseason play. The six-foot-two, 214-pound netminder posted a better season statistically in his sophomore season than his freshman year in every category. In seven fewer games to this point, Fowler boasts a 25-4-2 record including seven shutouts, along with a 1.49 (GAA) and a .941 (SV%).

In 2023-24, Fowler played 39 games, and finished the season with a 32-6-1 record, posting an incredibly impressionable season for Habs management. The 20-year-old was impressive in his rookie year (2.14 GAA, .926 SV%), but his growth has been tremendous from last year to this one.

Boston college has a stacked offence, with Ryan Leonard and Gabe Perreault leading the Eagles offensive charge. In what may be their last playoffs in the NCAA, the Washington Capital and New York Ranger prospects are sure to be laser focused. I expect, too, that Fowler between the pipes is locked in.

I have the feeling, or at least I think deep down that Fowler could potentially sign his entry-level deal, and join Laval for the playoffs. Fowler has done so much in two season with BC, and that is before playing the playoff games.

Fowler is cold blooded, and he plays with his heart on his sleeve; displaying a rugged, chip on his shoulder mentality. He is super competitive, and I believe that anywhere he plays, his tenacity, and heart will up the level of competition for his counterpart. I don't think rushing him is the answer, but after two NCAA seasons, I think he would benefit from the more demanding schedule and higher level of competition.

He should probably play a season or two with Laval, but you monitor him and let him feel it out. Under no circumstances do you rush the Habs No. 1 goalie of the future.

Fowler's performance

No. 1 between the pipes looks laser-focused, with his sights set on shutting the door against the Huskies' offense. After another stellar season, focus is solely on the playoffs, and the quarterfinal is where it all begins for the Eagles.

20 minutes into the game, Fowler and the Eagles have been held off the scoresheet, but they have also held the Huskies to zero. Which is where the game remains after 20 minutes.

Second Period

It has been more of the same, Fowler hasn't been solved, but Huskies goaltender Cameron Whitehead has gone tic for tac with the Eagles starter.

It wasn't until the 05:49 mark of the period until the stalemate was broke by Cam Lund, to pull the Huskies ahead of the Eagles 1-0. Shots are 19-15 in BC's favour after 15:42 of play.

Two minutes and nine seconds later, the Huskies struck again, beating Fowler for their second goal of the game. 2-0 thanks to Joe Connor.

Fowler, and the Eagles have a huge third period ahead, with a two goal hill to climb.

Third Period

Down 2-0, Fowler is going to have to be near perfect the rest of the way. But some goal support wouldn't hurt anything either.

BC has nearly eight more shots than the Huskies, but Whitehead has been the difference so far. With 12:54, the Eagles have yet to break through the goose egg.

At the 17:26 mark of the period, projected 2025 draft prospect James Hagens pulled the Eagles within one goal of the Huskies. With plenty of time to play, there is still a game to be made.

The Eagles are pressing hard, and with a smidge under 26 seconds on the clock, they have drawn a penalty. Gabe Perreault draws a hooking penalty late.

With two seconds remaining on the clock, the Eagles watched as the puck trickled into their vacant net. 3-1 Huskies.