Jacob Fowler makes his thoughts clear after securing first career shutout with Canadiens

Habs goaltender Jacob Fowler’s long-anticipated breakthrough arrived Saturday night in Montreal. The 21-year-old rookie netminder stopped all 31 shots he faced to record his first career NHL shutout backstopping the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Bell Centre.

The performance marked a major milestone early in Fowler’s NHL career and one he admitted carried special meaning.

“It was my first Saturday night at the Bell Centre and it did not disappoint. I’ve waited my whole life for this moment. I’m so thankful to be here with this group and hopefully there are many more of these,” he said.

The shutout came in just his fourth NHL start and Fowler has quickly shown a comfort level beyond his years. He credited the work he has done with goaltending coach Eric Raymond in helping him focus on the fundamentals and stay composed under pressure.

“I feel good. Coach Raymond and I have done a lot of work just trying to keep things simple. I feel like I’m at my best when I’m not overthinking or doing too much. The more under control I am, the more efficient I can be. I felt pretty efficient tonight, and I just want to build off starts like this and put more together,” he said.

Saturday also offered a chance to celebrate milestones for other Canadiens. Owen Beck scored his first NHL goal, something Fowler had been anticipating with the young forward.

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Jacob Fowler reflects on shutting out childhood idol Sidney Crosby

Adding to the night’s significance was the fact that Fowler was facing Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby, one of his childhood idols.

He shared that the chance to play against the star center made the shutout all the more special.

“Yeah, there are probably too many ‘wow’ moments to count. Crosby and Fleury were my favorite players growing up. Anytime you get to share the ice with them, it’s pretty special. When the game’s going, you want to stop them every chance you get, but Crosby’s a first-class guy. I’m proud that he’s been my favorite player and kind of my idol,” Fowler said.

Fowler also acknowledged the unique opportunity of blanking Sidney Crosby on a night when the Penguins captain was looking to tie Mario Lemieux for the franchise lead in points.

“I mean, I didn’t know that. But anytime he’s on the ice, you’re alert. He’s one of my favorite players. When he’s out there, you notice him every time and you want to stop him. So I was just lucky I got the better end of it tonight,” Fowler said.

While Fowler was the hero between the pipes, he made it clear that the defensive effort in front of him was equally critical. He insisted that Montreal’s penalty kill was exceptional and his teammates blocked numerous shots to protect their young goalie.

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Edited by Anjum Rajonno