The Montreal Canadiens weren't sure what the future had in store for Jacob Fowler when they brought him into the fold with his amateur tryout contract for the Laval Rocket. Fowler's entry-level deal will kick in next season, but the amateur tryout allows him to play some games in Laval this year. With the playoffs approaching, many wondered how many games Fowler would actually get. Well, we are looking at the team's new starter, as he played Games 1 and 2 in the Rocket's series with the Cleveland Monsters.
Fowler has led the Rocket to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-5 series. He had an impressive 23-save performance in Game 1, but saved his best for Game 2 with a 20-save shutout. The Monsters haven't been firing many shots on the rookie as they do look a little overmatched against the Rocket, but Fowler can't help the lack of shots. Regardless, two goals against in his his first 120 minutes of playoff hockey is a breathtaking start.
The Rocket have to be considered the favorite to win the Calder Cup, and Fowler looks to play a big role in that run. The Rochester Americans will present a significant test if the Rocket can finish the job against the Monsters, but the team seems confident they can go the distance with Fowler backstopping them. It's an unfortunate situation for Cayden Primeau and Connor Hughes after how well they played during the regular season, but they also offer some great insurance if Fowler falters.
What happens if Fowler doesn't falter? He will put himself into some impressive company, as you might want to remember who the last goalie was to join the Canadiens at the end of the AHL season and lead them to a Calder Cup.
Carey Price was the CHL's Goaltender of the Year in 2006-07, but his Tri City Americans had an early exit in the postseason. It helped Price join the Hamilton Bulldogs early and play two games to end the regular season. He was able to earn the starting role for the postseason, and went on an impressive 15-6 run where he recorded a 2.06 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage.
The performance won him the Calder Cup and the AHL Playoffs MVP. We won't crown Fowler as the playoffs' top performer after two games, but if he does fulfill that prophecy, the hype train will reach breakneck speed this offseason. Let's not forget that Price parlayed that AHL playoff performance into a full-time role on the Canadiens the following season.