Canadiens 4, Penguins 2: Rookie Steals the Spotlight
The Montreal Canadiens walked into Pittsburgh looking like a team still wearing the bruises from Tuesday’s 6–1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Instead of dragging that baggage with them, they flipped the script and beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 4–2. Even better, they did it behind a 21-year-old goalie making his NHL debut. Jacob Fowler, calm as a seasoned pro, stopped 36 shots and looked like he’d been waiting his whole life for this moment.
The early tone was simple: the Canadiens came ready. Alexandre Texier scored on Montreal’s second shot of the night, and suddenly everything settled. From there, it felt like the Canadiens knew precisely the kind of game they needed to play. Pittsburgh pushed, especially late, but Montreal never lost its footing. Cole Caufield added a power-play goal, Brendan Gallagher chipped in one of his best efforts of the season, and Juraj Slafkovsky and Lane Hutson moved the puck with confidence all night.
Fowler handled the rest — and the kid didn’t flinch, even with Sidney Crosby firing seven shots his way.
Key Point One: Canadiens’ Jacob Fowler’s Dream Debut.
Jacob Fowler didn’t just survive his first NHL start; he controlled it. His poise after every whistle gave Montreal a backbone it badly needed after the Tampa loss. Making seven saves on Sidney Crosby on debut? That’s a moment any goalie remembers forever.
Key Point Two: Montreal’s Quick Strikes Changed the Game.
Texier’s opening goal and Brendan Gallagher’s goal early in the second set the tone. These weren’t fluky chances; they were earned by pressure and smart puck movement. Each goal pulled the Canadiens further into a rhythm Pittsburgh couldn’t match.
Key Point Three: Young Playmakers Lift the Offence.
Juraj Slafkovsky and Lane Hutson each put up two assists and looked dangerous throughout. Oliver Kapanen’s quick response goal early in the third—just 15 seconds after Pittsburgh made it 3–1—was the exact kind of timely play good teams find.
Final Thoughts from the Canadiens’ Perspective
This win doesn’t define a season, but it does say something about where the Canadiens are headed. They bounced back from a poor showing in Tampa, trusted their young players, and played connected hockey in a tough building. Jacob Fowler became the first Florida-born goalie to win his NHL debut, and he did it with the quiet confidence of someone who’s not here to tiptoe into the league.
The Canadiens still have a long climb, but this was the sort of performance that reminds you the foundation is getting sturdier. Next step: seeing if this group can stack another strong effort against the New York Rangers.