Fowler’s 46-save shutout lifts Canadiens past Blues

On October 27, Jacob Fowler turned aside all 46 shots he faced while Montreal blanked the Blues 2-0 in St. Louis. The 21-year-old goaltender recorded his second shutout of the season and third in 24 career starts. His 46 saves set a Canadiens record for a rookie in a shutout, surpassing the previous mark of 41 shared by Cayden Primeau and Tony Esposito.

Zachary Bolduc opened the scoring with 11:23 left in the second period, beating his former team with a one-timer from the right circle. Mike Matheson and Alexandre Texier assisted. Bolduc, a first-round pick by St. Louis in 2021, joined Montreal in a trade for defenseman Logan Mailloux.

Florian Xhekaj scored his first NHL goal with 17:43 remaining in the third, redirecting a Matheson shot. Matheson and Kirby Dach had assists. Fowler stopped 24 shots in the final period.

Montreal improved to 7-3-2 and 4-1-1 on the road, winning its third straight away game. St. Louis fell to 5-6-1 and was shut out for a second consecutive game. The Canadiens visit Dallas on Thursday; the Blues host Boston that night.