After a happy run in which the Canadian scored 10 points out of a possible 14, it would be madness to change the winning formula.
• Also read: An exceptional trip for Lane Hutson
• Also read: CH ends his long journey in the best possible way
However, the situation among the team's goalkeepers cannot continue like this. By his own admission of head coach Martin Saint-Louis, playing with three in front of goal is undesirable.
So what is the solution at this stage of the season?
After a disastrous start that forced him to find his way around the Laval school club, Samuel Montembault has just won two starts since his recall.
What was expected to be the undisputed No. 1 team this year quickly defeated the Florida Panthers, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, as well as the Dallas Stars, the second-best team and second-best offensive team on the circuit.
With his guaranteed NHL contract and experience, he should usually fill one of the two goalie chairs in Montreal for the rest of the season.
So who should support him in his duties? Jakub Dobes or Jacob Fowler?
After a strong start to the season that saw him win his first six starts, Dobs has slowed down somewhat. His unorthodox style can sometimes be his best friend and worst enemy.
Despite his OPS being below .900, he is still the team's most consistent goalkeeper since the start of the campaign… and the one who has won the most games so far, with 13 wins in 20 matches.
However, it was after two poor performances on his part (and because of Montembeault's performance) that CH had no choice but to recall Fowler from the Laval Rocket in early December.
He showed great maturity and consistency in front of goal during the seven starts he made following his recall. While the sample size is thinner than his two teammates, he is so far the only one in the group to boast an on-base percentage above .900.
He still hasn't given CH leaders a reason to end his stay at the big club.
Here are the solutions available to Hubs in this matter:
1) Continue playing with three players in front of the net, alternating between people wearing masks;
2) Send Fowler back to Laval, despite his effectiveness, and trust the duo, who suffered several setbacks throughout November;
3) Move Jakub Dobes to Laval since he doesn't need to be waived to give him as many games as possible;
4) Make a deal involving one of the three aforementioned guards. This option is undoubtedly the least realistic of the four.
So what will CH do? To be continued…
