Boston set the scene for Montreal Canadiens prospects over the weekend.
Jacob Fowler of the Boston College Eagles started both games in a Friday and Saturday back-to-back against Lane Hutson, Luke Tuch and the Boston University Terriers. Fowler looks to be the Canadiens' future in goal. And Hutson could push a left-shot defender down the Canadiens depth chart as early as this April.
It's a big game for Jacob Fowler, who will be facing a star-studded Boston University lineup. pic.twitter.com/6q2xK3sQSy
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 27, 2024
To say these two games were highly anticipated would be an understatement. The battle of Boston always brings the best out of both teams. Friday and Saturday’s games were no exception, but one player outshined the others.
Fowler Limits Hutson, Tuch To Two Assist Weekend
It’s easy to take a backseat in this matchup with all the firepower these two squads possess.
The Terriers duo of Hutson and Macklin Celebrini, rightfully demand attention. Likewise, the Eagles' best four forwards - Cutter Gauthier, Gabe Perreault, Will Smith and Ryan Leonard drive the bus for their offence. But Fowler stole the show, limiting Hutson, Luke Tuch and Celebrini to just one point each.
#GoHabsGo prospect Lane Hutson with a great breakout pass that eventually finds #GoHabsGo prospect Luch Tuch, who is stopped by #GoHabsGo prospect Jacob Fowler. pic.twitter.com/QQhjcnVHAC
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) January 27, 2024
On Friday afternoon, Fowler backstopped the Eagles to a 4-1 win, keeping his fellow Habs prospects off the scoresheet. This is a tall task; considering the duo has the Terriers ranked second overall in the conference. The Florida native was brilliant, positionally he was strong and he read each play flawlessly.
What a save, Jacob Fowler! pic.twitter.com/GXrf4baJg0
— Eagles Daily (@EaglesDailyBC) January 27, 2024
When he did let in a goal, he was quick to put it behind him and keep battling. Tested early and often, Fowler withstood the Terriers' attack and never looked rattled. His trademark strong positioning and strong reads were on full display.
On Saturday, Fowler did let in three goals, but if not for him, the score might have been different. Celebrini was able to solve Fowler, but he kept them in check otherwise. Hutson had his lone assist of the weekend on the tally.
Indeed, goalies take a little longer to develop than any other position. But it’s easy to see what the Canadiens scouts saw when they drafted Fowler, he is a gamer and relishes the toughest competition. Fowler is wired to win and he has the calmness and poise of big-time NHL starting goaltenders.
Without a shadow of a doubt, Fowler is gunning for the Canadiens crease. In due time, it’s hard to picture the future in the net, not being the Habs 2023 third-round selection.
For now we will continue to watch on as Fowler makes his mark on the NCAA mens hockey ranks.